The Food and Drug Administration recently announced the ban of three chemicals it had previously approved for use in food packaging such as pizza boxes. The ruling states the class of chemicals known as polyperfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) can no longer be used as oil and water repellants in paper and paperboard that come in contact with “aqueous and fatty foods.” This action was in response to a petition by the Natural Resources Defense Council and other industry groups that cited studies showing some PFASs remain in the human body for years and may lead to the increased risk of cancer and other health issues.
However, alternatives to the newly banned substances are available. For example, Mantrose-Haeuser Co., Inc. offers VerdeCoat custom-formulated, water-based biopolymer barrier coatings that comply with FDA 21 CFR Parts 176.170 and 176.180. The patent-pending technology provides a barrier to oil and grease, water resistance and a low moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) on paper and paperboard food packaging.