An environmental group is suing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for failing to set limits on toxic PFAS chemicals in food despite having the tools to do so.
Shannon Kelleher reports for The New Lede.
In short:
- The Tucson Environmental Justice Task Force filed the lawsuit after the FDA ignored a 2023 petition demanding limits on PFAS in food.
- The lawsuit argues that the FDA has the ability to detect PFAS in food but refuses to act, fearing widespread contamination findings.
- Independent studies suggest PFAS are more prevalent in food than FDA data indicates, raising concerns about consumer safety.
Key quote:
“They just ignored us...they know they’re going to find PFAS in food and that’s going to cause a problem.”
— Sandra Daussin, attorney and plaintiff
Why this matters:
Research has linked PFAS exposure to a range of health problems, including cancer, liver damage, developmental issues and weakened immune function. The chemicals have been detected in food, soil and drinking water supplies across the country, yet regulatory efforts to limit exposure remain slow-moving. The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed strict limits for some types of PFAS in drinking water, but enforceable regulations remain limited.
