FOOD SAFETY: ARE YOU PREPARED FOR 2026? (CONT.) EU restrictions on PFAS in force from July


2026 PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of more than 10,000 manufactured ‘forever’ chemicals that have been present in industry and consumer products since the 1940s.


While these man-made compounds have been used beneficially, including preventing stains and greases from penetrating into other materials, resisting extreme temperatures, and reducing friction to minimize wear and tear, they come with some significant health risks, including being found in human blood, in drinking water and in food packaging.


Consequently, there’s a great deal of regulatory focus on this issue. In the US, states have been given responsibility to roll out their own regulations, and by April 2025 at least 12 states had partial or full bans on the sale of products containing PFAS, including in food packaging, apparel, cookware, cosmetics and firefighting foam.


Businesses are finding their PFAS strategies need to be driven by market forces rather than regulatory compliance alone, and businesses need to understand their PFAS exposure and risks, and implement measures to mitigate.


Extended producer responsibility (EPR)


Several states across the US have implemented EPR legislation to hold manufacturers responsible – financially and operationally – for the full lifecycle of products, including packaging waste. This follows in the footsteps of the EU, which has had EPR laws in place for several years now.


For manufacturers, it’s important to review all of the packaging the business uses, and explore more sustainable options. It can help reduce packaging waste, increase recycling rates, and promote sustainable packaging practices.


A consequential impact, of course, can be a reduction in the cost of waste, as well as lowering greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging a more circular economy.


Helping you prepare for what lies ahead


As everyone working in the food sector knows, food safety is of primary importance. A single breach or event can have devastating repercussions, and as such it’s essential to take a proactive approach.


Wills says, “While the sector typically has a number of regulations to adapt to and comply with, this is a particularly busy time, so it’s important to be prepared.


“From economic changes and tariffs to the changing legislation we’ve touched upon here, there’s many things for businesses to manage. With the continuing flow of current and new regulations, organizations must be prepared to comply in a focused and timely manner.


“The team at BSI is here to help navigate through legislation and compliance, and help you build fit-for-purpose, compliant food processes with a culture of food safety, which supports continuous improvement and organizational resilience.”


For those businesses that get it right early, competitive advantages can be instantly unlocked – setting them up for a compliant, and successful, future.


About the Author


With over 30 years of experience in the food & beverage sector, Gary is committed to supporting organizations to become more resilient through standards, training, certification and consulting.


Gary began his career in operations and eventually moved to business development working for seasoning, flavor, and functional ingredient manufacturers. He transitioned to supporting the industry as a service provider 15 years ago, most recently as BSI’s Global Director—Consumer, Retail & Food, partnering with organizations globally with a focus on the Americas.


WHAT’S IN STORE | 2026 © 2026 International Dairy Deli Bakery Association


Industry Landscape


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