Can PFAS show up in paper food packaging and compost products?
Some concern. A 2026 study found PFAS in sampled food-contact paper products and waste-derived soil amendments, with biosolid-based fertilizers highest among amendments.
What's actually in it
PFAS are used in some food-contact paper to resist grease and moisture. PFAS can also show up in waste-derived compost, soil amendments, and biosolid-based fertilizers when the input materials are contaminated.
What the research says
A 2026 Sci Total Environ study tested 5 commercial composts, 3 soil amendments, 2 biosolid-derived fertilizers, and 5 food-contact paper products for 13 PFAS compounds. Biosolid-based fertilizers had the highest total PFAS among amendment products. Food service paper products also contained PFAS, with PFHxA, PFBA, and PFHxS among the highest reported compounds.
The study does not prove that a specific meal is contaminated. It does show that food-contact paper and some waste-derived garden products can be PFAS sources worth testing.
What you can do
Put greasy takeout on a plate when you can. Store leftovers in glass instead of paper or plastic packaging. If you garden, ask compost suppliers whether their products include biosolids and whether they test for PFAS.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| PFAS in commercially available organic amendments and food-contact paper products. | Sci Total Environ | 2026 |
What to use instead
Use glass storage for leftovers instead of keeping greasy food in paper or plastic packaging.
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