Are PFAS in fast food wrappers and packaging unsafe?

What's actually in it

Fast food wrappers and food packaging are frequently treated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These are man-made chemicals used to make paper grease-resistant and waterproof. They aren't just sitting on the surface of the wrapper. They are designed to stay in the material, but they don't stay there forever.

When your hot, greasy food touches the wrapper, these chemicals can move from the paper into your meal. You end up eating them along with your lunch. These substances are persistent, meaning they don't break down easily in the environment or in your body.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Chemosphere confirms that these chemicals are present in consumer food packaging. This research highlights that the materials we use to hold our food are a direct source of exposure.

The problem goes beyond just wrappers. A 2026 study in J Hazard Mater shows that PFAS move through the food chain in many ways, including through agricultural soil. Once these chemicals enter the food supply, they build up in the body. A 2026 study in Environ Pollut conducted an exposure assessment and found that food is a primary pathway for PFAS to enter the human body.

This is not just a concern for humans. A 2026 study in Environ Pollut found widespread PFAS contamination in pet food, showing that these chemicals are common in the dietary sources for both people and their companion animals. Peer-reviewed research makes it clear: when you choose packaging treated with these chemicals, you are increasing your intake of substances that are linked to health risks.