EU curbs on 'forever chemicals' in food packaging take effect

New European Union restrictions on toxic substances known as "forever chemicals" in food packaging took effect on Wednesday, along with broader rules aimed at cutting packaging waste across the bloc, according to The Local Italy.

The measures target per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of chemicals used for their resistance to heat, water and grease. They have been linked to health problems including cancer and hormone disruption, and are called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment.

The rules are part of a wider EU push to reduce packaging waste and make all packaging recyclable by 2030. For Italy, a major exporter of food products, the change means producers and packaging manufacturers must now verify that their wrapping complies with the new limits.