November 2022 Public Health Report – Pet Food Packaging and more. (Updated 11/14/22 see below)
A recent study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) tested several bags of popular pet food brands sold at many retailers and found the presence of PFAS.
The toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS create health hazards at home, since they’re used in everyday items like cookware and cosmetics – and new EWG research finds some popular pet food packaging can be yet another way we’re exposed to the perils of PFAS. These chemicals are often used in food bags to make them repel grease, creating a potentially dangerous exposure for cats and dogs
Quick take:
- New tests suggest the presence of PFAS at elevated levels in some pet food bags.
- Dust from PFAS-laced pet food bags can add to household contamination.
- Seven types of PFAS were found in bags used by several popular brands.
Exposure to these forever chemicals have been linked to serious health concerns for people, including cancer, harm to fetal development and reduced vaccine effectiveness.
Background
PFAS are found in the blood of almost every American, and tests have revealed their presence in our beloved pets, risking their health as well. EWG’s research aimed to find out whether pet food packaging might also be a concern. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of about 12,000 compounds used to make products resist water, stains and heat. They’re called “forever chemicals” because they don’t naturally break down, accumulating in humans and animals.
It’s almost impossible to avoid PFAS, because they’re so prevalent in almost all aspects of our daily lives. Not only do we come into contact with these chemicals through the products in which they’re used, but these items shed PFAS-laced dust that further contaminates households and can pollute air and water once disposed in the trash.
The study comes as dozens of companies involved in food packaging are receiving pressure after the toxic industrial compound PFAS was detected in fast-food wrappers, boxes and plates that consumers interact with on a daily basis, according to the Associated Press this year. A 2017 study by the Massachusetts-based nonprofit research organization Silent Spring Institute found PFAS in almost half of paper wrappers and 20% of boxes from 27 fast food outlets. Tests by Toxic-Free Future in 2018 produced similar results. And, this year, Consumer Reports found eight popular fast-food restaurants had packaging that indicated the likely presence of PFAS.
What can we do as consumers?
- Be informed. Review the data from studies about which companies that have ‘tested positive’ for PFAS.
- Shop smartly. Based on your research, re-consider your options and choices.
- Consider fresh foods for yourself and your pets whenever possible.
- Begin the conversation about food packaging with other pet owners.
- Support and contribute to the organizations and agencies that are working to reduce our human and canine family’s health risks.
- Stay well informed!
What are organizations doing about it?
The EPA only sets a voluntary health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion for two PFAS chemicals in drinking water. The FDA, which regulates use of certain PFAS chemicals in food packaging, came out in 2020 with a three-year, voluntary phase-out program. The agency is reviewing a petition from environmental groups calling for a PFAS ban in food packaging.
In the U.S., only California sets a limit of 100 parts per million of total fluorine in food packaging.
The absence of federal standards has shifted the fight over PFAS in food packaging to state legislatures.
- California, Washington, Vermont, Connecticut, Maryland, Maine, Minnesota and New York have passed bills banning PFAS from being purposely added to food packaging, according to the advocacy group Safer States.
- Seven other states are considering similar legislation. Federal legislation has also been introduced.
Links to Sources
[EWP report with study results]
(Update 11/15/22)
California Files Suit Over ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Water
Nov. 14, 2022 — The state of California is suing several major companies for their role in manufacturing “forever chemicals.” The lawsuit filed Thursday also claims that the companies, covered up the harm their products, commonly known as PFAS, were causing to the state’s environment and to people.
“PFAS are as ubiquitous in California as they are harmful. As a result of a decades-long campaign of deception, PFAS are in our waters, our clothing, our houses, and even our bodies,” State Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a news release.