The Food and Drug Administration will change its food safety policy as 2025 progresses.  Monday’s latest FDA issued a notice in the Federal Register that determined 35 food contact notifications (FCNs) related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are no longer effective. 

The FDA has determined that the uses of these 35 FCNs have been abandoned because the manufacturers or suppliers have ceased production, supply, or use of the food-contact substances. The 35 FCNs had previously authorized food-contact substances used for grease-proofing coatings applied to paper and paperboard packaging to prevent oil and water leaking. 

At the same time, the FDA issued guidance on the action levels for lead in processed foods intended for babies and young children. The guidance supports the FDA’s initiative to reduce dietary exposure to contaminants in foods while maintaining access to nutritious food. The FDA also released labeling guidance documents for food allergens, food safety, and plant-based alternatives.

The guidelines’ contents, and what is most salient, are for food packagers. They are part of a larger effort to minimize exposure to contaminants and anticipate future regulation.

The applicab...