India Moves to Restrict PFAS and BPA in Food Packaging 🇮🇳

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a ban on the use of bisphenol A (BPA) and per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food-contact materials.
This strong measure aligns India with ongoing European and US initiatives, signalling growing global awareness of the risks posed by “forever chemicals.”

📌 Summary of the Proposal

• 06/10/2025: Publication of a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018.
• Ban on using PFAS in the manufacture of food-contact materials.
• Requirement for materials made with polycarbonate/epoxy resins to be free from BPA and its derivatives.
• Public consultation open for 60 days before finalisation.

🎯 Why It Matters

• Alignment with international health and environmental standards, given the documented effects of PFAS (immune, thyroid, cancer-related impacts) and endocrine disruption linked to BPA.
• Clarity for industry, accelerating substitution efforts and the qualification of “PFAS-free” alternatives.
• Ripple effects on brand and retailer specifications, as well as future compliance checks.

🧭 Next Steps

The public consultation could lead to an effective ban and encourage other countries to adopt similar regulations.

🇪🇺 PPWR Reminder

The European Commission Regulation No. 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR), in force since 11 February 2025, foresees a PFAS ban from 12 August 2026 above defined thresholds (25 ppb for individually measured PFAS, 250 ppb for the sum of targeted PFAS, 50 ppm for all PFAS including polymeric forms).

🔍 Moving Forward

This development highlights the global momentum to tackle harmful compounds and reinforces the need to continue advancing analysis and innovation in the field.

🔗 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 : Innovation News Network 15/10/2025 and The draft amendment