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The Chemicals You Are Unknowingly Exposing to Your Pet
Groundbreaking FDA action reveals a disturbing source of danger to your pets, hidden within the very place designed to keep their food fresh.
Analysis by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker
PFAS in Dog and Cat Food Packaging
Groundbreaking FDA action reveals a disturbing source of danger to your pets, hidden within the very place designed to keep their food fresh.
www.barkandwhiskers.com
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- In February 2024, the FDA announced the welcome news that grease-proofing substances containing Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are no longer being sold by manufacturers for food contact use in the U.S. market, including the pet food market
- Both humans and animals absorb PFAS, and the chemicals remain in the body for many years, if not for life; health risks associated with PFAS include increased testicular and kidney cancer and infertility
- Research has also uncovered a possible link between PFAS blood levels and hyperthyroidism in cats 10 years and older; these chemicals have also been linked to other endocrine problems as well as immune system dysregulation
- In late 2022, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) released a report that demonstrated the presence — at high levels in some cases — of PFAS in pet food bags; these chemicals and also ubiquitous in the environment (air, soil, drinking water, household dust)
- There are several steps you can take to limit your family’s exposure to PFAS; also consider taking action to reduce your animal companion’s chemical load
