The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that manufacturers have voluntarily withdrawn greaseproofing agents known as C8 compounds from the marketplace.
These compounds are used as coatings on paper wrappers and containers that come into contact with food, such as fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, and pet food bags. These coatings prevent oil and grease from foods from leaking through the packaging.
Several studies have revealed that the compounds, which are perfluorinated greaseproofing agents, persist in the environment and can have toxic effects on humans and animals.
In response to the studies, the FDA has initiated a comprehensive review of the available data on C8 compounds and worked with several manufacturers to remove greaseproofing agents containing C8 perfluorinated compounds from the marketplace.
Existing supplies of these greaseproofing agents already in the marketplace and paper products with these greaseproofing agents can be used until they run out.
FDA noted that it will conduct a market survey to determine whether any manufacturers are still using greaseproofing agents which contain C8 compounds.
