Researchers at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have developed an improved method for detecting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging, addressing longstanding analytical blind spots in the monitoring of so-called “forever chemicals”.
PFAS encompass a broad class of more than 16,000 chemicals, yet many remain unidentified and lack analytical standards. As a result, routine targeted testing typically covers only around 40 PFAS compounds, leaving a significant number potentially undetected. According to ARS, these substances may pose risks to human health if they enter the food supply.
To address this gap, ARS scientists at the agency’s Eastern Regional Research Center in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, developed non-targeted analytical workflows using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Unlike conventional targeted approaches, which screen for predefined compounds, non-targeted methods enable the identification of previously unknown or emerging PFAS present in food contact materials.
The newly developed workflows were validated to reduce both false positives and false negatives, improving confidence in the identification process. In testing food packaging samples, the researchers found evidence of both legacy and emerging PFAS. Some of the detected substances were reported for the first time and may be added to targeted testing lists in the future.
ARS said the work forms part of its broader commitment to ensuring that the United States maintains one of the safest and highest-quality food supplies globally. For the packaging sector, the findings underline the increasing scrutiny of fluorinated chemistries in food contact materials and the need for more comprehensive analytical tools capable of tracking evolving chemical formulations.
As regulatory pressure intensifies around PFAS in packaging, advances in non-targeted detection methods could play a critical role in identifying hidden contaminants and supporting compliance strategies across the supply chain.
