Food packaging made from certain plastics and other synthetic materials is contaminating what we eat. Harmful chemicals like PFAS, phthalates, and bisphenols can leach from packaging into our food—polluting our bodies with hormone disruptors and other toxic substances linked to serious health problems, from cancer and infertility to obesity and developmental delays.

These chemicals are building up in our food, our bodies, and are polluting the planet. And now research shows that microplastics—along with the toxic contaminants they carry—are making their way into our brains, testes, and even breast milk.

For years, powerful chemical industry interests have blocked stronger regulations—preventing meaningful protections and allowing harmful, outdated chemicals to remain in widespread use. The result? Ongoing risks to our health.

We’re fighting to change that.

At Toxic-Free Future, we’re advancing real solutions to eliminate harmful chemicals from food packaging—because no one should have to choose between convenience and contamination. We conduct groundbreaking research, win strong state laws, and secure bold commitments from major retailers to clean up their packaging. From takeout containers to canned food, we’re working to make sure what holds your food doesn’t harm your health.

PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Food Packaging

Food packaging was one of the largest uses of PFAS—a dangerous class of “forever chemicals.” known for their persistence, toxicity, and contamination of drinking water, people, and wildlife. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been used for decades to make packaging water-repellent and grease-proof. 

Eliminating PFAS in food packaging has been a top priority for Toxic-Free Future.

Toxic-Free Future’s original scientific studies and policy wins have driven down the use of PFAS in food packaging. We’ve:

• Passed the first-in-nation law banning these chemicals in food packaging, setting a precedent for the nation and world.
• Tested products and launched national campaigns focused on the largest grocery and fast food chains.
• Uncovered the climate impacts of PFAS production and disposal.
• Published new research revealing these chemicals are in breast milk.
• Developed policy recommendations for retailers.

With no federal regulations to prevent PFAS from being used in food packaging, Toxic-Free Future’s work is critical in protecting people and the environment from these toxic threats. By combining our science and research and strategic advocacy (in Washington, DC, Washington state, other states, and corporate boardrooms), we’ve helped secure bans on PFAS in food packaging and won bold commitments from major food retailers to phase out these chemicals on a global scale.

Beyond PFAS: The Other Toxics in Your Food

PFAS is just the tip of the toxic iceberg. 

It’s one of the most well-known harmful classes of chemicals in food packaging—but it’s far from the only one. Our food is being wrapped, processed, and stored in packaging made with toxic plastics and chemicals that don’t belong anywhere near what we eat.

Here are just a few of the hidden dangerous chemicals showing up in our food:

• Phthalates – These endocrine-disrupting chemicals are used to make vinyl plastic softer. They’re found in food processing equipment and other food contact materials, and can easily get into food long before it reaches our plates.
  
• Bisphenols – Chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA), often used in the lining of canned foods, can leach into soups, beans, and vegetables. They’ve been linked to hormone disruption and other serious health concerns.
  
• PVDC plastic – This chlorinated plastic is commonly used to wrap meats and cheeses in grocery store delis. It can leach plasticizer chemicals into your food.
  
• Styrene-based plastics – Found in foam takeout containers and trays, these plastics can pose health risks and are a big part of the plastic pollution problem.

And those are just a few. Hundreds of other concerning chemicals are still allowed in food packaging—and most of us have no idea they’re there. We’re working to change that.