Do paper food containers have PFAS in them?
Yes. Peer-reviewed research confirms that food-contact paper products are a known source of PFAS exposure.
What's actually in it
Paper food containers often rely on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to resist grease and water. These synthetic chemicals are added to the paper to keep your food from soaking through the packaging.
Because these chemicals are not bound to the paper, they can easily move into your food. Once they get into your body, they stay there for a long time. They are known as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment or your system.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Sci Total Environ confirms that food-contact paper products are a primary source of these substances. This research highlights the widespread presence of PFAS in items we use every day to hold our meals.
Additional peer-reviewed research published in Chemosphere in 2026 further supports this, providing a detailed assessment of how these chemicals are found in common consumer food packaging. The science is clear: relying on paper containers for takeout or storage puts you in direct contact with these harmful compounds.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| PFAS in commercially available organic amendments and food-contact paper products. | Sci Total Environ | 2026 |
| Assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer food packaging. | Chemosphere | 2026 |
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