Assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer food packaging

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been detected in food and food contact materials (FCMs) worldwide, causing concerns for human exposure through diet. In this study, we have developed and validated a new method for analysis of 73 PFAS from 15 different classes in paper and plastic FCMs. The method was based on methanolic extraction and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis and was validated at three spiking levels with five replicates per level. Acceptable recoveries and repeatability were achieved for 96-100 % of analytes between various spiking levels and food packaging materials. We further applied the validated method to test 66 paper and plastic food packaging materials that were in direct contact with the previously tested food samples of chicken, pork, beef and catfish purchased from grocery stores in the US. Nine PFAS were detected in the samples: 8:2 FTSA, 6:2 diPAP, 8:2 diPAP, diSAmPAP, PFBA, PFHxA, PFOA, PFBS and PFOS with ∑PFAS concentrations ranging from 0.11 to 16.3 ng/g. At least one PFAS was detected in 64 % of the samples. The most frequently detected PFAS was 6:2 diPAP found in 61 % of samples, across all material types in concentrations 0.09-10.3 ng/g. Results suggest no evidence of PFAS transfer from FCMs tested in this study to packaged food tested in our previous study.