A ban on the usage of PFAS chemicals in food packaging was approved this week by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. 

PFAS chemicals have been found in food packaging as well as in food containers used for takeout orders at restaurants. 

“When we buy food from the grocery store or takeout from a restaurant, we assume that product is safe for our families,” said Assemblywoman Pat Fahy, a Democrat from the Albany area who backed the bill. “PFAS — a dangerous and cancer-causing class of chemicals commonly used in everyday food packaging — however, is anything but safe for New Yorkers. The short-chain PFAS most commonly used in food packaging has been shown to have similar toxicity to long-banned long-chain PFAS."

The measure bans perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl, considered potential carcinogens, making New York the latest and the largest state in the country have enacted a ban behind Maine and Washington state. 

"I’m thrilled to see these dangerous chemicals banned in food packaging and the public health — especially that of our children — protected as a result," said Sen. Brad Hoylman, a Democrat from Manhattan who sponsored the bill in his chamber.

Restaurants and food distributors will have time to adjust to the new ban. The measure will take effect at the end of 2022.