Reducing PFAS Risk in Restaurants: Practical Strategies for Operators

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” are known for their ability to repel oil and water and resist heat. These properties have made PFAS widely used in consumer products and industrial applications, including food packaging, cookware, textiles, and cleaning products commonly found in commercial kitchens. However, scientific research links PFAS exposure to potential health concerns, including elevated cholesterol levels, immune system suppression, thyroid disease, liver damage, and kidney, prostate and testicular cancers.

As a result, PFAS risk management is becoming a growing priority for restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality operations that rely on high volumes of food service materials.

Understanding PFAS Exposure in Hospitality Operations

People can be exposed to PFAS through a variety of pathways. For hospitality operations, these pathways include PFAS-contaminated water used for drinking and cooking, food packaging materials, and common kitchen products. When PFAS-treated products are discarded in landfills, they may contribute to PFAS contamination in waste systems by leaching into the soil and groundwater. When these materials are incinerated, PFAS compounds may also enter the air.

Because restaurants and hotels use large quantities of disposable packaging and food-contact materials, even small PFAS inputs can accumulate across multiple locations and high-volume operations. As a result, reducing PFAS in hospitality operations is increasingly viewed as a practical step toward protecting both public health and environmental infrastructure.

PFAS Regulation & Litigation Driving Change

Several states have adopted or are implementing PFAS restrictions on forever chemicals in textiles, food packaging, and consumer products. States including California, Maine, and Minnesota have enacted significant limits or bans on certain PFAS uses, particularly in food-contact materials.

During the 2025 legislative session alone, nearly 350 PFAS-related bills were introduced across 39 states. While federal regulatory frameworks continue to develop, state governments are increasingly adopting their own standards for PFAS monitoring, reporting, and product restrictions.

Legal developments are also influencing how organizations approach PFAS risk management. In the US, nearly 10,000 PFAS-related lawsuits have been filed over the past 25 years. Settlement costs have already exceeded $16.7 billion, with additional litigation continuing to emerge across multiple sectors.

As a result, many companies are reevaluating the use of PFAS-containing products throughout their supply chains.

PFAS in Food Packaging & Hospitality Supply Chains

PFAS in food packaging remains one of the most visible exposure pathways within the hospitality industry. Grease-resistant wrappers, molded fiber containers, and coated paper products have historically relied on PFAS chemistry to prevent oil or moisture from penetrating food packaging.

In response to growing regulatory and consumer pressure, many national restaurant chains—including Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, McDonald’s, Panera, Sweetgreen, Taco Bell, and Wendy’s— have publicly committed to phasing out PFAS in their food packaging.

The level of exposure associated with food packaging can depend on contact time, or how long food remains in PFAS-treated containers or wrappers. Longer contact periods may increase the potential for PFAS migration into food.

Fortunately, PFAS-free food service materials are becoming more widely available. Many packaging manufacturers now offer PFAS-free product substitution options, including molded fiber containers, untreated paper products, and alternative barrier coatings designed to provide oil and grease resistance without fluorinated chemicals.

PFAS Product Replacement in Restaurants & Hotels

PFAS product replacement is becoming an important strategy for reducing PFAS in hospitality operations. Restaurants and hotels can begin by identifying common materials that may contain PFAS.

Replacing PFAS-containing materials with PFAS-free hospitality products requires careful evaluation of performance, cost, and operational need. For example, stainless steel, cast iron, and carbon steel cookware can often replace fluoropolymer-coated surfaces while maintaining durability and heat performance.

Similarly, reusable foodware systems, uncoated fiber packaging, and PFAS-free restaurant supplies may reduce waste volumes while limiting PFAS inputs into wastewater and landfill systems. Testing replacement materials through pilot programs can help hospitality operators confirm that alternatives meet both food safety and operational requirements before full-scale adoption.

Water Quality & PFAS Exposure in Restaurants

In restaurants and hotels, water used for drinking, cooking, and washing may also be a potential exposure pathway. Hospitality operators should consult with their local water or utility authority to determine whether PFAS testing has been conducted within the drinking water system. Advanced water treatment systems may reduce PFAS concentration by more than 90% under certain conditions.

Evaluating water quality is an important step in managing PFAS environmental risk, particularly for facilities located in areas where groundwater contamination has been documented.

How APTIM Supports PFAS Risk Management

PFAS risk management presents complex technical and regulatory challenges for restaurant and hospitality operators. Identifying sources of PFAS, evaluating alternatives, and maintaining compliance across supply chains and facilities can require specialized expertise and data.

APTIM supports clients with practical, data-driven solutions that reduce PFAS exposure and support compliance. Our services include water quality assessment and treatment system design, evaluation of food-contact materials and packaging, and strategies to reduce waste and operational risk. We help organizations assess current conditions, identify priority actions, and implement solutions that align with operational needs and regulatory requirements.

Learn how APTIM helps restaurant and hospitality operators assess PFAS risk, reduce exposure, and meet evolving regulatory requirements.

PFAS SOLUTIONS

Published March 2026