Consumers Beware! Food And Beverage Companies May Know Their P’s And Q’s But Not Their PFAS

By Louis Biscotti | Forbes | February 9, 2024

Read the full article by Louis Biscotti (Forbes)

"While most companies know their P’s and Q’s, some know little about PFAS or choose to ignore it. Many consumers don’t even know about the dangers of PFAS. But these chemicals are increasingly being put under the spotlight by news reports, governments are acting swiftly to respond with new laws and regulations, and courts across the country are filling up with litigation.

PFAS-Forever Chemicals

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manufactured chemicals that includes PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and many other compounds. PFAS have been manufactured and used in various industries around the globe and are used in a wide range of consumer products that people use daily, such as cookware, pizza boxes, waterproofing, and stain repellents. PFAS are known as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down and can accumulate over time. Their strong carbon-fluorine bonds make them resistant to degradation in the environment. However, PFAS can accumulate in the bodies of humans and wildlife, leading to potential adverse health effects. They contaminate soil, water, and air during production and use and are now found in the environment, wildlife, and humans worldwide."