New Report Shows 80% of Companies Fail to Address Chemical Safety Concerns
Toxic-Free Future’s 2024 Report Card, released November 14, identified 17 major retailers, including Trader Joe’s, McDonald’s, and Subway, that have taken no action to remove dangerous chemicals from their food packaging. These materials contain substances linked to cancer, obesity, and diabetes, including PFAS and PVC compounds. Four retailers – Apple, Sephora, Target, and Walmart – have eliminated these chemicals from their packaging, while most companies surveyed cannot identify the chemical content of their packaging materials. The report’s release follows warnings from endocrinologist groups that exposure to these hormone-disrupting chemicals may be unsafe at any level.
5 Key Points
- 40 out of 50 retailers failed the chemical safety assessment.
- Only four retailers have eliminated hazardous chemicals from their packaging.
- Major food retailers, including Trader Joe’s and McDonald’s, received F grades.
- PFAS and PVC from packaging materials leach directly into food products.
- Fifteen retailers plan to eliminate PFAS, while ten commit to removing PVC.
Four Retailers Lead Industry Safety Standards
Apple, Sephora, Target, and Walmart have removed hazardous chemicals from their packaging materials and implemented new safety protocols. Target earned a B grade for replacing PVC and PFAS materials across its supply chain. Amazon and Lowe’s received C grades after beginning to phase out these chemicals. These companies have funded research into non-toxic packaging alternatives, establishing new benchmarks for retail food safety.
Fast Food Packaging Fails Safety Standards
McDonald’s, Subway, and Chipotle use food containers and wrappers containing chemicals linked to serious health risks, earning F grades in the assessment. Yum! Brands continue to package Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut products using PFAS and PVC materials. Inspire Brands shows a similar disregard for chemical safety across its chains—Arby’s, Dunkin’, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Jimmy Johns. The high volume of disposable packaging from these chains magnifies the exposure risk.
Retailers Cannot Track Packaging Chemicals
Supply chain audits reveal that retailers need to gain control of their packaging safety. Twenty-seven of the 50 companies surveyed cannot identify the chemicals in their product packaging due to multi-layered supplier networks. The report found that 28 retailers do not require chemical content disclosure from suppliers. This blind spot prevents companies from identifying and removing dangerous materials from their supply chains.
Health Data Links Packaging to Disease Risk
Endocrinologist groups published findings in early 2024 documenting how these chemicals disrupt human hormone systems. The human body is “exquisitely sensitive” to these compounds, which mimic natural hormones and interfere with body functions. Their research connects these chemical exposures directly to increased rates of obesity, diabetes, breast cancer, and testicular cancer.
FAQ
Q: Can I file a lawsuit if I was exposed to PFAS or other forever chemicals?
A: If you or a loved one suffered health issues due to exposure to PFAS or other forever chemicals, you may be eligible for legal action. Visit our PFAS lawsuit information page to learn about your rights and start a free, confidential case review today. Our team is here to support you in seeking justice and accountability.
Q: Which specific food retailers received failing grades in the safety assessment?
A: Publix, Trader Joe’s, McDonald’s, Subway, Chipotle, and all restaurants under Yum! Brands (Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut) and Inspire Brands (Arby’s, Dunkin’, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy Johns) received F grades.
Q: What health risks are associated with these packaging chemicals?
A: The chemicals are linked to obesity, diabetes, breast cancer, and testicular cancer. They can disrupt hormone systems by mimicking the chemical messengers that work with the nervous system to manage bodily functions.
Q: Which retailers have successfully eliminated dangerous chemicals from their packaging?
A: Only four retailers – Apple, Sephora, Target, and Walmart – have replaced hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives. Target earned a B grade, while Amazon and Lowe’s received C grades for beginning to make changes.
Q: How do these chemicals enter food from packaging?
A: The chemicals, including PFAS and PVC, can leach from packaging materials such as films, wrappings, and coatings on to-go containers directly into food or the home environment.
Q: Are there any safe exposure levels for these packaging chemicals?
A: According to endocrinologist groups’ findings from early 2024, there is likely no safe level of exposure to these chemicals because the human body is “exquisitely sensitive” to them.
Q: What are companies doing to address chemical transparency in their supply chains?
A: Less than half of the 50 surveyed retailers require their suppliers to disclose chemical contents. Fifteen retailers have set goals to eliminate PFAS, and ten plan to eliminate PVC, but most companies currently need help identifying all chemicals in their product packaging.
