New York Bans PFAS in Food Packaging

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation on December 3, 2020, that prohibits the sale of food packaging containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), effective December 31, 2022. The legislation, S8817/A4739C, defines PFAS as organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom. Fines will begin at $10,000 for the first violation and will rise to $25,000 for repeat offenders.

New York is the third state to ban PFAS in food packaging; however, the laws in Washington State and Maine require the identification of a safer alternative before the ban becomes effective.