Forever Chemicals: Contamination in Food and Packaging

In February 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that substances containing PFAS used as grease-proofing agents on paper and paperboard for food contact use are no longer being sold by manufacturers into the U.S. market. This voluntary phase-out eliminates the primary source of exposure to PFAS from food contact uses; but, there are others. Due to PFAS persistence—and ability to contaminate sensitive matrices—ultra-sensitive testing methods are critical for quantification and screening. Through compelling interviews with chemists, researchers and environmental specialists, this documentary discusses how PFAS infiltrates the food supply chain, and how regulations, requirements and methods have all been enacted to help ensure the health and safety of humans of all ages.