Home / Environment / FDA Ignores 'Forever Chemicals' in Food
FDA Ignores 'Forever Chemicals' in Food
8 Jul
Summary
- FDA rejected a petition to limit toxic forever chemicals in food.
- Food is identified as the biggest source of PFAS exposure.
- Activists plan to sue after the FDA denied setting food thresholds.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declined a legal petition requesting limits on toxic PFAS, often called 'forever chemicals,' in food. This decision marks a significant setback for public health advocates. The Environmental Protection Agency has identified food as the largest source of PFAS exposure for the population.
These chemicals are widely used in the food system, from pesticides to packaging. Despite evidence linking PFAS to cancer and other severe health problems, the FDA stated there was "insufficient evidence" to support setting limits. Advocates argue that if PFAS are regulated in water, they should also be regulated in food.
One group, the Tucson Environmental Justice Task Force, filed the petition and plans legal action. The FDA indicated it intends to establish non-binding "action levels" rather than strict "tolerance levels" that would make contaminated food illegal to sell.
Testing has revealed PFAS in a significant percentage of seafood and some milk samples. The agency's testing methodology has also faced criticism for potentially undercounting contamination levels, leading to accusations of intentionally downplaying the problem.
