USA - California Bans PFAS in Plant-based Food Packaging

​The Governor of the State of California signed AB 1200 into law on October 5, prohibiting the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in plant-based food packaging.

The bill AB 1200 prohibit, beginning Jaunary 1, 2023, any person from distributing, selling, or offering for sale any food packaging that contains intentionally-added PFAS or its concentration at or above 100ppm. The bill also requires a manufacturer to use the least toxic alternative when replacing PFAS to comply with the new requirement.

Food packaging means a nondurable package, packaging component, or food service ware that is intended to contain, serve, store, handle, protect, or market food, foodstuffs, or beverages, and is comprised, in substantial part, of paper, paperboard, or other materials orginally derived from plant fibers. Examples are food or beverage containers, take-out food containers, unit product boxes, liners, wrappers, serving vessels, eating utensils, straws, food boxes, and disposable plates, bowls, or trays.