Are PFAS in food packaging a concern for household health?
Use caution with grease-resistant food packaging. A 2026 US study detected PFAS in 64% of tested paper and plastic food-contact packaging, although it did not show transfer into paired food samples.
What's actually in it
PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Some food packaging uses PFAS because they help paper or plastic resist grease and water. That is why PFAS concerns often come up around takeout wrappers, molded fiber bowls, fast-food packaging, and other food-contact materials.
You do not control every package your food touches. You do control what you use at home for leftovers, lunch prep, snacks, and pantry storage.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Chemosphere tested 66 paper and plastic food-contact packaging samples purchased with meat and fish products in the US. At least 1 PFAS was detected in 64% of the packaging samples. The most common PFAS was 6:2 diPAP, found in 61% of samples.
The same study reported no evidence of PFAS transfer from the tested food-contact materials to the paired food samples from the earlier study. That detail matters. The study supports concern about PFAS in packaging, but it does not prove that every PFAS-coated package adds PFAS to the food inside.
What to do at home
Do not heat food in takeout wrappers or plastic containers. Move leftovers into glass or stainless steel before reheating. For lunch prep and pantry storage, choose glass jars, stainless steel containers, and ceramic dishes when you can.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer food packaging. | Chemosphere | 2026 |
What to use instead
For leftovers and pantry storage, use glass containers instead of grease-resistant paper or plastic packaging when you control the container.
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