Human engineered, highly toxic chemicals called Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known as forever chemicals because they never break down or degrade. These chemicals make their way from everyday products such as packaging materials, cleaning products, stain-resistant fabrics, and food containers into our water and food sources. From there, PFAS enters our bloodstream. The bioaccumulation of these toxic chemicals in our bloodstreams can cause an increased risk of cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, and diminishes the effectiveness of vaccines and the development of fetuses. Studies show that these forever chemicals are found in 99.9% of people in the United States, (Pallone, 2019). This issue must be addressed because it is an under-publicized threat to society and our community.

A study done by Safer Chemicals Healthy Families, Toxic-Free Future, and Mind the Store tested samples collected at Whole Foods. These items consisted of a sandwich wrapper and various types of take out boxes. It was found that 71.4% tested positive for high levels of fluorine, a sign that an item was likely treated with PFAS (Aria Bendix, Business Insider). These take-out boxes were first introduced as a way to “to reduce our environmental footprint," but it was later found that there were harmful chemicals lurking in these containers. (Whole Foods Website) This issue was brought to Whole Foods by the companies who conducted the study. Whole Foods responded by “[taking] immediate action and removed all prepared foods and bakery packaging highlighted in the report," however, this action is not enough. Business Insider states that the company “declined to comment on whether the company tests or pre-screens products for toxic chemicals” (Bendix, Business Insider). Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families also reports that Whole Foods has not been transparent about their plan of how they will be switching to PFAS free materials and how they will verify that the materials they are using are safe. 

Take action and sign the petition to lobby Whole Foods into upholding their mission of “Standards That Aren’t Standard Anywhere Else.” They need to take the lead in a transparent and clear transition to PFAS free materials and implement a full ban on using all PFAS-containing food contact materials.