Is PFAS in food packaging safe? The results are in.

At least one PFAS compound was detected in 64% of the food packaging materials tested in a 2026 study published in Chemosphere. If you think your takeout containers or grocery store wrappers are clean, the data says otherwise.

Researchers analyzed 66 different paper and plastic materials. They found 9 distinct types of PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS. The most common offender, 6:2 diPAP, appeared in 61% of all samples tested. While the study noted that it didn't find clear evidence of these chemicals leaching directly into the meat samples tested, the fact remains: these persistent chemicals are literally touching your food before it hits your plate.

You cannot control what a restaurant uses to wrap your dinner, but you can control your own kitchen. Ditch the plastic containers and paper-based wrappers that hide these chemicals. Switch to glass or stainless steel storage to keep your food away from industrial coatings. We have curated a list of non-toxic kitchen alternatives that allow you to store and reheat your meals without the chemical baggage. Stop relying on packaging that relies on PFAS.

Source: Stroski K, Sapozhnikova Y (2026). Chemosphere.