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U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), co-chairs of the Congressional PFAS Task Force, reintroduced the bipartisan Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act, which would prohibit intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – hazardous forever chemicals – in food packaging.   

These harmful substances are frequently used to greaseproof, waterproof, and give nonstick properties to food containers, cookware, and consumer products. And it has been proven that the PFAS in those containers can contaminate the food, causing liver disease, thyroid dysfunction, and several forms of cancer. The Environmental Working Group found that as many as 40 percent of fast-food wrappers and paper products tested positive for fluorine chemicals.

“You shouldn’t have to worry about chemicals seeping from containers into your food,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “PFAS chemicals are in products that we use every single day, and most Americans don’t even know the risks or daily exposure they face. Several states have already passed laws banning PFAS in food packaging, now we need strong federal legislation to ensure hazardous chemicals are not allowed near the food we eat.”

“Every day, Americans bring home takeout containers, wrappers, and food packaging that can contain intentionally added PFAS—putting toxic forever chemicals far too close to the food we eat. That is an unnecessary risk, and it is one we have the responsibility to eliminate. The Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act takes these chemicals out of the equation by setting a clear national standard and stopping avoidable exposure at the source. We know enough about the dangers of PFAS to act with urgency, and protecting the health of the American people must come first,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan PFAS Task Force.

The bill is supported by Buen Vecino, CleanEarth4Kids.org, ENVmedicine, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners,  Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, Center for Environmental Health, Beyond Pesticides, Plastic Free Future, California Black Health Network, The Oregon Environmental Council, Center for Science in the Public Interest, Breast Cancer Over Time, Mamavation.com, Innersense Beauty, Green America, and Environmental Defense Action Fund.

“Families should not have to worry about PFAS entering our food supply via food packaging,” said Thomas Galligan, Principal Scientist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest. “Congress should support the Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act to stop companies from intentionally adding these harmful substances to food packaging.”

"The science is clear: PFAS chemicals are linked to breast and other cancers, birth defects, hormone disruption, and organ damage — yet they're still hiding in the products we use every single day,” said Suzanne Price, CEO at Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. "We applaud Representatives Dingell and Fitzpatrick for stepping up where industry hasn't. The No PFAS in Food Packaging Act builds on the bipartisan momentum states have already built to phase PFAS out of consumer goods — protecting people from health harms no matter where they live, shop, or work."

“Using the science-based definition of PFAS, these bills would ban the entire class of PFAS in food packaging and personal care products. Despite industry claims that not all PFAS are the same, there are no ‘safer’ PFAS. All PFAS are persistent and toxic, and we must eliminate all non-essential uses as soon as possible. There is no reason to allow the continued use of PFAS in packaging that can leach into our food or in personal care products that we put directly on our bodies,” said Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon, Senior Director, Toxic Exposures and Pollution Prevention, Center for Environmental Health.

Scientific studies have linked PFAS chemicals to a variety of health hazards, including various cancers, increases in cholesterol levels, reproductive problems, as well as low birth weight and weakened childhood immunity. People are at higher risk for these health impacts when repeatedly exposed to PFAS, given that they bioaccumulate and do not degrade in the environment. 

Congresswoman Dingell has been a strong leader in the fight against PFAS and has championed policies to get PFAS out of drinking water and the environment and ban forever chemicals in products from food packaging to firefighter gear. In June 2026, Congresswoman Dingell led over 100 of her House colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to protect safe drinking water standards and address PFAS contamination that poses risks to the physical health and environmental health of communities across America.