81% Of USA Sandwich Bags Contain Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’

An analysis of popular plastic sandwich bags in the USA found that 81% contain toxic PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals." PFAS, which do not degrade easily and can take over 1,000 years to break down, are linked to negative health impacts such as liver damage and compromised immune systems. Studies have shown PFAS in the blood of over 97% of Americans, leading to growing concerns about their presence in everyday products.

The analysis highlights the need for regulation based on updated science, as current FDA limits on PFAS in plastic packaging are considered outdated. To reduce exposure to PFAS, health and environmental advocates recommend using glass containers instead of plastic, opting for steel or cast-iron pans over non-stick ones, and replacing single-use plastic bags with reusable options. Brands such as Ziploc and Debbie Meyer green bags were found to be free of PFAS markers in the study.