Alarming levels of dangerous chemicals known as PFAS were discovered in food packaging at a number of well-known fast-food and fast-casual restaurants and grocery store chains, a new report found.

Until the mid-20th century, most packaged goods came in eco-friendly containers: reusable glass and metal containers, and biodegradable paper. Inexpensive, mass-produced single-use plastics promised to be more hygienic and to keep food fresher longer, but created its own nightmare: waste that can take as long as 1,000 years to degrade.

The firm, which also makes Post-Its, cited increased regulatory and consumer concern about the substances, known as PFAS, to explain the move.
The chemicals are used in many everyday items, including food packaging.

Research has suggested over 200 million Americans likely drink water contaminated with PFAS chemicals, which have been linked to a host of health issues, including cancer.

These synthetic substances called PFAS are used in non-stick pans, fire-fighting foam and water-repellent clothes.

Nashville, Tenn. – As consumers are starting to demand more sustainable packaging solutions for foodservice products, operators, suppliers, and distributors must make sound business choices in their sustainability journeys.