Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a broad class of synthetic chemicals, often called “forever chemicals” due to their exceptional persistence in the environment and the human body. Used widely since the 1940s, PFAS are highly effective at repelling both oil and water. This grease resistance led to their incorporation into countless everyday items, including food packaging. Whether paper plates contain PFAS is a significant concern because these chemicals can leach from the packaging into the food we eat, contributing to human exposure.
Why PFAS Are Used in Food Service Items
The primary reason manufacturers use PFAS in disposable foodware is to enhance the functional performance of paper-based products. Paper and molded fiber are naturally porous and absorbent, requiring a barrier to prevent liquid and grease from soaking through. Without chemical treatment, paper plates and takeout containers quickly become soggy and fail to hold hot or oily foods.
PFAS chemicals are applied as a coating to the interior surface of these disposable items, creating an invisible, non-stick shield. This fluorinated barrier makes the paper moisture-resistant, grease-resistant, and more heat-stable. This functional necessity made PFAS a standard ingredient in food service items, ensuring the packaging does not leak, stain, or fall apart before the meal is finished.
Testing and Verified Presence in Paper Plates
Testing conducted by independent scientific bodies has confirmed that many paper plates and molded fiber food containers historically contained intentionally added PFAS. These tests often analyze the total organic fluorine content, which serves as a proxy for the presence of fluorinated chemicals. Results frequently show that certain disposable items, including some brands of paper plates and bowls, register high levels of these compounds.
The specific compounds found are generally short-chain PFAS, which replaced older, long-chain variants like PFOA and PFOS after they were phased out. Scientific studies indicate these newer chemicals migrate from the packaging into the food, especially when the food is hot, greasy, or acidic. This migration is a significant concern because it represents a direct pathway for human exposure, confirming that the chemical treatment of paper foodware poses a risk of dietary exposure.
Regulatory Responses and Industry Phase-Outs
Growing awareness of the health risks associated with PFAS exposure has driven significant regulatory action across the United States. In the absence of a comprehensive federal ban, individual states have prohibited the use of intentionally added PFAS in food packaging. For example, California and New York have banned the sale and distribution of food packaging containing intentionally added PFAS within their borders.
These state-level mandates define “intentionally added” PFAS and establish concentration limits, such as California’s threshold of 100 parts per million of total organic fluorine. Washington State also implemented a tiered ban targeting food service products like wraps and plates. These laws have forced manufacturers to reformulate their products to comply with varying state requirements.
The regulatory pressure has spurred a major, voluntary phase-out by the food packaging industry. Manufacturers of grease-proofing materials have committed to no longer selling PFAS-containing substances for use in food packaging. This industry-wide shift, encouraged by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), means the majority of new food contact paper products entering the U.S. market are now PFAS-free, accelerating the transition away from fluorinated chemical treatments.
How to Identify PFAS-Free Products
Consumers can use several clear indicators to confidently choose paper plates and disposable foodware that are free of PFAS. The most straightforward method is to look for explicit labeling on the product packaging. Many companies now clearly state “PFAS-Free,” “No Added PFAS,” or “Fluorine-Free” to advertise their compliance with new health standards.
Another reliable indicator is the presence of third-party certifications, which signify a commitment to material safety. The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certification, for example, updated its requirements to exclude intentionally added PFAS in products labeled as “compostable.” A BPI-certified product is a strong signal that the item is PFAS-free.
When selecting materials, opt for products made from uncoated paperboard, bamboo, or molded sugarcane fiber (bagasse) that are specifically certified or labeled as PFAS-free. Products relying on a physical barrier, such as a wax or polymer coating, instead of a chemical fluorinated treatment, are generally safer alternatives.