CEH Single-Use Foodware Public Database 12-15-2021
Identifying non-fluorinated foodware products to help consumers avoid harmful PFAS chemicals. The database includes detailed information on single-use food serviceware, categorized by product type such as plates, bowls, and take-out containers. Each entry lists the manufacturer, product description, fluorine content, and certification status from organizations like BPI and CMA. Users can navigate through various tabs to find tested products and their respective test results, ensuring safer purchasing decisions.
Content article
Dozens of single-use foodware products are tested for fluorinated additives, revealing critical information about their safety and environmental impact. The Center for Environmental Health (CEH) database, last updated on December 15, 2021, includes various product types such as plates, bowls, and take-out containers, categorized by their fluorine content. Products are marked as “Low/No F” if they contain no or low levels of fluorine, while those labeled “F” have fluorine levels above 100 parts per million (ppm).
For instance, the Cheeky plate from Target, measuring 6.87 inches, is categorized as “No/Low F” and was added to the database on January 31, 2018. In contrast, the Dixie bowl, a 12 oz white bowl from Georgia-Pacific, has been identified with fluorine content and lost its BPI certification as of January 1, 2020. The Eco-Products bowl, a 12 oz compostable option made from molded fiber, also falls into the “F” category and is noted as a duplicate entry in the database.
In the realm of take-out containers, the Fold-Pak Bio Plus Terra II, which holds 26 oz, is marked as “F” and was reformulated to meet new standards, while the Savaday by Chinet trays, previously categorized as “F,” have been reformulated to “No/Low F.” This indicates a shift in manufacturing practices to eliminate harmful additives. The database also includes the BioMass Packaging brown square leaf plate, made from palm leaf, which is listed as “No/Low F” but is no longer available for purchase.
The archive section of the database reveals products that are no longer sold, such as the Be Green Packaging brown utility tray and the BioMass Packaging plate, both of which were previously tested but have since been removed from the market. Notably, the Up & Up brand's 10-inch white premium dinner plate is also archived as it no longer meets the required safety standards.
In terms of certifications, the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) and the Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA) have strict requirements regarding fluorine content for compostability. As of January 1, 2020, BPI-certified products are required to be free of intentionally added PFAS, while CMA-certified products follow similar guidelines. The database provides valuable insights for purchasers looking to avoid PFAS-laden products, guiding them toward safer alternatives.
The testing methodologies employed by CEH involve third-party laboratories, including Dr. Graham Peaslee's lab at the University of Notre Dame and Galbraith Laboratories. Products are classified based on their total fluorine content, with specific thresholds defining whether they are categorized as “No/Low F” or “F.” This rigorous testing process ensures that consumers are informed about the safety of the foodware they choose.
As awareness about the health risks associated with PFAS grows, the CEH database serves as a crucial resource for those seeking to make informed purchasing decisions regarding single-use food serviceware.