In a press release published on July 31, 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that three manufacturers of products containing the short chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH) have agreed to voluntarily phase-out its use. Commitments have been published by Archroma Management GmbH, AGC Chemicals Americas, Inc, and Daikin America, Inc to phase out the use of products containing 6:2 FTOH beginning in 2021 and to be completed by 2023. To deplete existing stocks, the companies will then continue to sell products containing the PFAS for up to 18 months after 2023. The Chemours Company, another manufacturer of PFAS, told the FDA in August 2019 that it had already discontinued production.
6:2 FTOH is used as a grease-proofing agent in food packaging, and recent rodent studies by the FDA raised questions about its bio persistence by “suggest[ing] the potential of 6:2 FTOH to also persist in humans from chronic dietary exposure” (FPF reported). However, the agency says that “further scientific studies are needed to better understand the potential human health risks.”
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US FDA (July 30, 2020). “FDA Announces Voluntary Agreement with Manufacturers to Phase Out Certain Short-Chain PFAS Used in Food Packaging.”
Rachel Franzin (July 31, 2020). “Manufacturers to phase out sales of food packaging containing ‘forever’ chemical.” The Hill
Jon Kelvey (July 31, 2020). “Manufacturers agree to phase out type of PFAS in food packaging.” Chemical Watch
Tom Neltner (August 4, 2020). “FDA takes an important step by phasing out paper greaseproofing agents containing a specific PFAS.” Environmental Defense Fund
Keller and Heckman LLP (August 7, 2020). “Industry to Voluntarily Phase-Out Certain PFAS Used in Food Packaging.”
