New York State has signed into law a
prohibition on adding perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS
substances) to some food packaging materials and articles.
The governor signed into law S8817
(companion A4739-C) on December 2, 2020. It amends the state’s Environmental
Conservation Law and adds new § 37-0209 to prohibit PFAS substances in food
packaging. The scope of the law covers food packaging made, predominantly, from
paper, paperboard or other materials derived from plant fibers.
Definitions within the law include:
- ‘Food
Packaging’ – package or packaging component that is intended for direct food
contact and is mainly comprised of paper, paperboard, or other materials
originally derived from plant fibers - ‘PFAS
substances’ – means ‘perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances’, a class of
fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon
atom - ‘Intentionally
added’ chemical – means a chemical in a product that serves an intended
function in the product component
[if !supportLists]
PFAS substances are added to a wide
variety of products to provide anti-stain, water, grease, oil and/or dirt
repelling properties. In the context of food contact materials, they are known
to be included in products such as fast-food containers, microwave popcorn
bags, non-stick cookware, and paper wrappers for sandwiches and butter.
The new law
will come into effect on December 31, 2022.
SGS Food Contact Material Services
SGS’s technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and
articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the
appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for
compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests,
along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and
documentation review. Learn more
about SGS’s Food
Contact Material Services. [http://www.sgs.com/fcm]
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with
the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full New York State Regulates PFAS Substances in Certain
Food Packaging
SafeGuardS.
Subscribe here to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.
For further information contact:
Hingwo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel:(+852) 2774 7420
Email: crs.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading inspection,
verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the
global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 94,000 employees,
SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.