Four MEPs have asked the European Commission whether it plans to exempt the food processing industry from a proposed ban on PFAS chemicals, warning that a sweeping restriction could lower EU food safety standards. In a written parliamentary question submitted on 9 June 2026, Stefan Köhler (PPE), Christine Singer (Renew), Angelika Niebler (PPE) and Christian Doleschal (PPE) note that fluoropolymers, a subgroup of over 10,000 PFAS substances, are critical for reducing biofilm adhesion, simplifying cleaning, and maintaining hygiene in food production. The MEPs point to the European Chemicals Agency's scientific committees, which in late March 2026 backed restricting the PFAS group with targeted exemptions, but argue that ambiguity remains over the ban's scope and consequences for the food industry. They ask the Commission two concrete questions: whether it plans to introduce industry-specific exemptions and what criteria would be used, and how it assesses the risk that a lack of alternatives could lower food safety standards. The question reflects a tension between environmental protection and industrial competitiveness, with the food processing sector—alongside chemicals and pharmaceuticals—potentially facing major compliance costs or operational disruptions if no exemptions are granted. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will signal whether it leans toward a broad ban or a more flexible, sector-by-sector approach.
The MEPs' intervention highlights a cleavage between the push for rapid phase-out of persistent chemicals and the need to maintain hygiene and safety standards in food production, where substitutes are not yet available.