Blumenthal Statement on FDA's Food Packaging PFAS Announcement

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the following statement after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a voluntary, gradual discontinuation of a limited number of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in food packaging, including food wrappers, bags, and boxes:

“This step – while minimal – is meaningful if it leads to more. Voluntary action by three companies is no substitute for a complete ban on these toxic ‘forever’ chemicals. As more turn to take-out meals during the pandemic, food packaging with PFAS has become even more dangerously prevalent. A comprehensive federal ban is the only really effective remedy, as I have long advocated.”

Blumenthal has long championed banning PFAS in food packaging. In March 2017, Blumenthal along with U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) sent letters to a number of fast food chains, urging them to stop using PFAS in wrappers. The letter sent to Burger King can be found here. Similar letters were also sent to Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Church’s Chicken, Dairy Queen, Dunkin’ Donuts, Jack in the Box, Jimmy John’s, Yum! Brands (KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell), Krispy Kreme, McDonald’s, Panera Bread, Quiznos, Starbucks, Steak ‘n Shake, Subway, Taco Time, and Wendy’s/Arby’s.

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