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Fast-food wrappers and other grease-proofing materials containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) will no longer be sold for use in food packaging in the U.S., the on Wednesday.

According to the agency, this means that major sources of dietary exposure to PFAS -- such as microwave popcorn bags, take-out paperboard containers, and pet food bags -- will be eliminated. The announcement "marks the fulfillment of a voluntary commitment by manufacturers to not sell food contact substances containing certain PFAS intended for use as grease-proofing agents in the U.S.," said Jim Jones, Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods at FDA, in a statement.

The FDA cited evidence that exposure to some types of PFAS has been linked to serious health effects.

For example, one study in military personnel linked testicular cancer to one PFAS chemical used to make products resistant to stains, grease, soil, and water. Additionally, a systematic literature review suggested that PFAS exposure is associated with overall poor kidney health.

And a found that greater consumption of tea, processed meats, and food prepared outside the home was associated with increased levels of PFAS in the body over time.

Last month, the CDC recommended that physicians consider blood testing patients for exposure to the endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Moreover, scientists are finding that these "forever chemicals" are omnipresent, having been detected in the air, household products, food, and even tap water.

In 2023, the Biden administration proposed that drinking water systems across the country -- PFOA and PFOS -- to 4 parts per trillion.

The effort by the FDA to eliminate these materials from food packaging goes back several years. In 2020, that three manufacturers had voluntarily agreed to a 3-year phase out of sales of grease-proofing substances that contain certain types of PFAS. At the time, the FDA said that after this 3-year period, it anticipated it may take up to 18 months to exhaust existing stocks of products containing these food contact substances from the market.

PFAS is still allowed for limited use in cookware, food packaging, and food processing equipment.

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