The addition of toxic chemicals in disposable packaging and tableware is still systematic in the EU, as evidenced by the PFAS survey conducted by a group of organizations that collected and analyzed 99 samples in fast food, takeout, supermarkets, and online stores in six European countries. Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. (1)
The chemical safety of food and thus public health are in danger, operators are as aware of this as the authorities, the European Commission stubbornly fails to manage the risk as is its duty. (2)
PFAS, forever chemicals
Laboratory analysis showed the presence of perfluorinated compounds (PFAS) in all samples. More than 4,500 synthetic chemicals referred to as‘forever chemicals‘ are included under this name because of their long persistence in the environment, which are highly toxic to humans.
One third of the packaging submitted for analysis (32 out of 99)-including those of the world’s leading chains of fast-food such as McDonald’s, KFC, Subway or Dunkin’ Donuts – turns out to contain intentionally added PFAS. To surface treat paper and cardboard in the most economical and dangerous way in order to make them water and grease resistant.
PFAS, toxicity
PFASs migrate from packaging to food. This increases the exposure of the population, already subject to environmental contamination, to risks of carcinogenesis and genotoxicity, which have already emerged widely in toxicological research.
The scientific literature shows how these chemicals accumulate in the body and cause damage to growth, learning and behavior in infants and children. In addition to interfering with the endocrine and immune systems, increasing cholesterol levels and reducing fertility. (3)
Non-toxic alternatives, the Danish example
Making water- and oil-resistant packaging without adding PFAS is possible. This is evidenced by the ‘clean’ or slightly contaminated part of the sample.
And the approach of McDonald’s, among others, is shameful. ‘None of the paper chip bags purchased in Denmark showed signs of PFAS treatment, while the same item, when sampled in the Czech Republic and the UK, contained PFAS.’
The reason is that Denmark has banned the use of PFAS since July 2020, while in the rest of Europe the choice is left to the lack of sensitivity of operators. (4)
Responsibility of the European Commission
‘It is time for the EU to act to immediately and permanently ban the entire class of PFAS in food packaging,’ thunders Jitka Strakova of Arnika. In line with previous appeals made to Brussels by panels of scientific experts. (5)
Instead, the European Commission-in addition to postponing the necessary, systematic reform of the regulation of MOCAs (Materials and Objects Intended to Come into Contact with Food)-still persists in neglecting the serious public health risks associated with exposure to toxic chemicals. (6)
Until when?
Marta Strinati and Dario Dongo
Notes
(1) The study is sponsored by the Czech NGO Arnika and was conducted in collaboration with BUND (Germany), CHEM Trust (UK), Danish Consumer Council (Denmark), Générations Futures (France), Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) (Belgium), Tegengif-Erase all Toxins (Netherlands), International Pollutants Elimination Network ( IPEN) (International) and ClientEarth (UK).
The text of the report, complete with tables, is available here
(2) Marta Strinati. Food contact materials, reform-slug slips again. GIFT(Great Italian Food Trade). 17.2.20, https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/imballaggi/materiali-a-contatto-con-gli-alimenti-la-riforma-lumaca-slitta-ancora
(3) Alberto Mantovani. Chemicals and decreased immune response. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade). 21.4.21 https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/sicurezza/sostanze-chimiche-e-diminuita-risposta-immunitaria
(4) Dario Dongo, Luca Foltran. PFAS, ban in Denmark on MOCAs in paper and cardboard. GIFT(Great Italian Food Trade). 17.9.19. https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/imballaggi/pfas-divieto-in-danimarca-sui-moca-in-carta-e-cartone
(5) Marta Strinati. Chemical toxicity of food contact materials, researchers appeal. GIFT(Great Italian Food Trade). 12.3.20, https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/imballaggi/tossicità-chimica-dei-materiali-a-contatto-con-gli-alimenti-appello-dei-ricercatori
(6) Marta Strinati. Endocrine disruptors, a new database reveals Brussels’ omissions. GIFT(Great Italian Food Trade). 12.6.20, https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/sicurezza/interferenti-endocrini-una-nuova-banca-dati-rivela-le-omissioni-di-bruxelles
Professional journalist since January 1995, he has worked for newspapers (Il Messaggero, Paese Sera, La Stampa) and periodicals (NumeroUno, Il Salvagente). She is the author of journalistic surveys on food, she has published the book "Reading labels to know what we eat".
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
