FDA Rejects Petition to Set PFAS Limits in Food, Prioritizing Convenience Over Health
Despite growing scientific evidence and the EPA identifying food as the primary source of exposure, the US Food and Drug Administration has refused a legal petition to set limits on toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” in food. This decision marks a setback for public health advocates, as PFAS are linked to numerous serious health issues and are widely present in the food system due to their use in packaging, pesticides, and processing. While the FDA acknowledges plans to establish action levels, these are not legally binding and may not lead to contaminated food removal, prompting legal challenges from advocacy groups seeking court-ordered thresholds.