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Call for EU to ban ‘forever chemicals’ in consumer products

A consumer rights group in Europe is pushing for new regulations to reduce dangerous chemicals in food after new product test results found high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

PFAS are a group of chemicals that make up fluoropolymer coatings for products that are designed to resist things like heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. These coatings can be used in food packaging, clothing, furniture, and insulation. They are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down naturally and are harmful to the environment.

The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) released a new report which determined that PFAS are present in everyday consumer products including fast-food packaging, appliances like waffle irons, and toys and clothes meant for children.

“We call on the EU to urgently reduce people’s exposure to [PFAS], endocrine disruptors, and other chemicals of concern,” BEUC said.

Taking action on existing proposals

Awareness of the issues with PFAS is growing, according to the BEUC, but current regulation “falls short of providing adequate protection for consumers.” The group noted that the EU has not taken significant action since it revealed plans in 2020 to remove toxic substances from consumer products.

The European Commission pledged to enact legal reforms that would establish a system for identifying and restricting the use of hazardous chemicals in products, but this has not yet come to fruition.

In July 2023, the EU also proposed a plan to eliminate endocrine disruptors, chemicals that disrupt hormones, from toys and other children’s products. BEUC is urging the commission to act quickly to adopt that proposal, as well as to ban PFAS from consumer products.

One of the worst offenders for dangerous chemicals is online marketplaces that sell cheap items like jewellery and cosmetics, the BEUC said, because they often are not regulated to the same standards as other retailers.

“Lawmakers must act now to deliver a toxic-free life for consumers. This includes speeding up the process by which authorities can take harmful chemicals off the market,” said Monique Goyens, director general of the BEUC. “Online marketplaces should also be held liable for the non-compliant products sold on their sites.”

Future food trend? A free-from PFAS claim

The BEUC said four out of five consumers express concerns about the presence of chemicals in the products they purchase. The recent report details results from tests run by consumer organizations in Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland between 2017 and 2023.

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One test found high levels of fluorinated compounds in one-third of 65 tested fast-food packaging. A separate test showed similar results, with fluorinated compounds detected in more than 25% of the tested samples.

In a 2022 insight report, Mintel said that PFAS may become the next ingredient that warrants a “free-from” claim on labels, similar to Bisphenol A-free (BPA-free) and non-GMO. Brands that position themselves to be clean label, natural or healthy are already transparent about their ingredients and materials. But Mintel predicts that being proactive about PFAS will be a likely next step for consumer brands.

Because PFAS are mostly used in packaging within food and beverage, the most common alternative for the industry is biodegradable packaging, Mintel said. But it is not the only solution, and without proper oversight and regulation, brands may not volunteer to make the costly switch to more environmental materials.

In the BEUC report, tests did reveal that some products did not contain any problematic substances, “demonstrating that it is indeed possible for industry to use alternatives,” the group said. “This underscores the potential for positive change and the importance of swift action to protect consumers from harmful chemical exposures.”