Is Perfluorinated Compounds (PFAS) Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Perfluorinated Compounds (PFAS) is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (food additives).
Also called Forever chemicals.
Other names: PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, Polyfluoroalkyl substances, Forever chemicals, C8
Is Perfluorinated Compounds (PFAS) banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | — |
| Where it shows up | Grease-resistant fast food wrappers (some), Microwave popcorn bags (some), Pizza boxes (some), Non-stick cookware coatings (Teflon/PTFE), Food processing equipment coatings, Tap water near industrial/military sites |
What is Perfluorinated Compounds (PFAS)?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of synthetic chemicals characterized by extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds. They are used in food packaging (grease-resistant coatings), non-stick cookware (PTFE/Teflon), food processing equipment, firefighting foam, and many industrial applications. The 'forever chemicals' moniker reflects their extreme environmental persistence.
Why is Perfluorinated Compounds (PFAS) used in food?
PFAS provide grease resistance, water repellency, and heat stability in food packaging (fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes) and non-stick cookware. They are also used in food processing equipment to prevent sticking. Their unique chemical stability makes them irreplaceable in some applications.
Is Perfluorinated Compounds (PFAS) dangerous? Documented risks
PFAS are among the most extensively studied and harmful groups of synthetic chemicals in the modern environment. Their unique carbon-fluorine bond stability means they do not break down in the environment or in human body tissues — contributing to bioaccumulation over a lifetime. Health effects documented in human epidemiological studies include: - Cancer: PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) have been associated with kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, bladder cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in occupationally exposed workers and community members with contaminated drinking water. IARC classified PFOA as Group 1 (human carcinogen) in 2023 and PFOS as Group 2B. - Endocrine disruption: PFAS disrupt thyroid hormone signaling and sex hormone balance. Multiple studies find associations between PFAS exposure and hypothyroidism, early puberty in girls, and reduced sperm quality. - Immune suppression: studies have found that PFAS exposure is associated with reduced vaccine response in children and adults, suggesting PFAS may impair immune function. - Developmental effects: prenatal PFAS exposure has been associated with lower birth weight, developmental delays, and reduced immune response in infants. - Cholesterol: PFAS exposure consistently raises LDL cholesterol levels, increasing cardiovascular disease risk. The 2023 EPA MCLG (maximum contaminant level goal) for PFOA and PFOS is zero — reflecting the agency's conclusion that there is no safe level. The EPA set enforceable MCLs in drinking water in 2024. The DuPont/3M PFOA/PFOS contamination of drinking water in communities near Teflon manufacturing facilities led to a $671 million settlement (DuPont/Chemours, 2017) and $10.3 billion 3M settlement (2023) — among the largest environmental contamination settlements in history.
Common US products containing Perfluorinated Compounds (PFAS)
- Grease-resistant fast food wrappers (some)
- Microwave popcorn bags (some)
- Pizza boxes (some)
- Non-stick cookware coatings (Teflon/PTFE)
- Food processing equipment coatings
- Tap water near industrial/military sites
How to avoid Perfluorinated Compounds (PFAS): safer alternatives
PFAS-free food packaging uses plant fiber, wax-coated paper, or alternative polymer coatings. Many fast food chains including McDonald's, Burger King, and Whole Foods Market have committed to eliminating PFAS from their packaging. Cast iron, stainless steel, and ceramic cookware replace PFAS-coated non-stick options.
Frequently asked questions about Perfluorinated Compounds (PFAS)
What are PFAS and why are they called 'forever chemicals'?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a family of 12,000+ synthetic chemicals with extremely stable carbon-fluorine bonds. They do not break down in the environment or in biological systems, accumulating indefinitely in water, soil, wildlife, and human bodies — hence 'forever chemicals.'
Are PFAS in food packaging?
Yes. PFAS have been widely used in grease-resistant fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and other food packaging. They can migrate from packaging into food. Many major food companies have committed to eliminating PFAS from packaging by 2025-2030.
Is PFOA a carcinogen?
Yes. IARC classified PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) as a Group 1 human carcinogen in 2023 based on evidence for kidney and testicular cancer. The EPA's 2024 MCLG (maximum contaminant level goal) for PFOA in drinking water is zero — indicating there is no known safe exposure level.
Are PFAS in Teflon cookware?
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, the polymer in Teflon) itself is considered inert and is not a PFAS health concern at normal cooking temperatures. However, the manufacturing of PTFE historically used PFOA (a PFAS), which contaminated communities near manufacturing plants. At very high temperatures (above 500°F/260°C), PTFE can release small amounts of toxic gases.
Is PFAS in my drinking water?
Possibly. PFAS contamination of drinking water is widespread near industrial facilities, military bases, and firefighting training areas. EWG's tap water database shows PFAS levels at US water utilities. The EPA set maximum contaminant levels for 6 PFAS in drinking water in April 2024.
What is the 3M PFAS settlement?
3M, a major PFAS manufacturer, agreed to a $10.3 billion settlement in 2023 to address PFAS contamination of US public water systems. This is one of the largest environmental contamination settlements in US history. DuPont/Chemours had previously settled for $671 million in 2017 related to PFOA contamination.
How do I reduce PFAS exposure?
Use a water filter certified to remove PFAS (reverse osmosis or PFAS-certified carbon block filters). Avoid non-stick cookware at very high temperatures; consider cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic. Choose PFAS-free food packaging. Avoid microwave popcorn bags and fast food containers when possible. Support policy advocacy for stricter PFAS regulation.
Are PFAS in organic food?
PFAS contamination can appear in organic food if the soil or water supply is contaminated — PFAS contamination knows no organic certification boundaries. However, PFAS are not permitted as intentional inputs in organic farming. Irrigation water contaminated with PFAS has been found to transfer PFAS into organic crops in some studies.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Perfluorinated Compounds (PFAS) or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related food additives
Avoiding banned food additives? Check your beauty shelf, too.
Sources
- EPA PFAS Maximum Contaminant Levels in Drinking Water 2024 — EPA
- IARC classification of PFOA as Group 1 carcinogen (2023) — IARC
- USRTK on PFAS in Food Packaging — US Right to Know
- EWG PFAS Tap Water Database — EWG
- DuPont PFOA Settlement 2017 — EPA
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/10/2026.