FDA Proposing to No Longer Allow Use of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Food Contact Surfaces

The Food and Drug Administration is asking for comments on a proposal to withdraw provisions of its food additive regulations that allow for the use of two perfluoroalkyl-containing substances as water and oil repellants for paper and paperboard in contact with aqueous and fatty foods (here). The proposal is based on a petition from 3M, which says the substances are no longer used for that purpose. Comments are due June 28, and should address whether these uses have been completely abandoned, “such as information on whether food-contact paper and paperboard containing the two respective substances are currently being introduced or delivered for introduction into the U.S. market,” said FDA.