Canada moves to restrict PFAS in domestic packaging

CANADA – The Government of Canada is ramping up efforts to protect public health and the environment by addressing the risks posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” which are found in food packaging and other consumer products.

As part of this initiative, Canada recently released the State of PFAS report, which concluded that most PFAS—excluding fluoropolymers—pose potential risks to human health and ecosystems.

In response, the government intends to propose adding PFAS to Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), allowing for broader regulatory control.

The regulatory approach will follow a phased strategy, balancing the urgency of health and environmental protection with the need for viable alternatives.

Phase I, beginning this year, will target the replacement of PFAS in firefighting foams to better safeguard firefighters and the surrounding environment. 

Phase II will address PFAS in nonessential applications such as food packaging, cosmetics, and textiles, focusing on reducing consumer exposure.

Additionally, beginning this year, Canadian manufacturers and other facilities will be required to report PFAS usage to the National Pollutant Release Inventory.

This data will support more informed decision-making, facilitate industrial monitoring, and guide mitigation strategies to reduce environmental and human exposure.

“Today, the government is taking a significant step forward to better protect workers, firefighters, and all Canadians from ‘forever chemicals,’” said Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

“Science shows that the ongoing use of PFAS can harm the environment and human health. With this announcement, we are leading the way—together with Indigenous communities and industry experts—to safeguard the health of Canadians, our ecosystems, and the resilience of our economy.”

Growing concern over PFAS contamination has been backed by recent research. A University of Toronto study, cited in the Toronto Star in March 2023, revealed the presence of PFAS—specifically 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH), a toxic compound—in Canadian food packaging.

Notably, compostable fibre-based bowls contained PFAS levels three to ten times higher than those in paper doughnut and pastry bags.

PFAS—numbering more than 47,000 compounds—are widely used in food packaging for their grease- and water-resistant properties.

However, they have been linked to serious health concerns, including cancer, thyroid disorders, elevated cholesterol, weakened immune response, and reduced fertility.

Dr. Miriam Diamond, one of the study’s lead researchers, cautioned against assuming that compostable packaging is inherently safer.

“As Canada restricts single-use plastics in foodservice ware, our research shows that what we like to think of as the better alternatives are not so safe and green after all,” she said.

“They may harm our health and the environment by providing a direct route to PFAS exposure—contaminating the food we eat and, once discarded, polluting our air and water.”

This proposed action marks a significant step in Canada’s evolving approach to toxic substances in consumer products, underscoring its commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future.

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