Assessment of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Beverage Packaging: Rapid Detection Methods and Consumer Health Implication

Abstract

Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent fluorinated chemicals used in some food-contact materials to impart oil- and water-resistant properties, raising concern about migration into beverages and chronic dietary exposure. Objective: To quantify targeted PFAS in commercially available beverage packaging materials and evaluate their migration into standardized beverage simulants using a validated LC–MS/MS framework. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical-experimental study analyzed 60 packaging samples (paper cups, laminated cartons, PET bottles, and aluminum cans; n=15 each) collected from retail and beverage vendors (January–June 2025). Food-contact layers (100 cm²) underwent methanolic extraction, SPE clean-up, and targeted LC–MS/MS quantification of 24 PFAS with isotopically labeled internal standards. Migration testing was conducted for 10 days at 40°C using deionized water, 3% acetic acid, and 10% ethanol (1 dm²/100 mL). Group comparisons and adjusted associations were assessed using ANOVA/Kruskal–Wallis tests and multivariable regression. Results: ΣPFAS in substrates was highest in paper cups (230 ± 52 ng/g) and cartons (168 ± 41 ng/g) versus PET (36 ± 14 ng/g) and aluminum (58 ± 19 ng/g) (p<0.001), with 6:2 diPAP frequently detected (78%). Migration of ΣPFAS peaked in 10% ethanol (paper: 41 ± 12 ng/L; cartons: 33 ± 10 ng/L) and was lower in PET (5 ± 2 ng/L) and aluminum (9 ± 4 ng/L). Fiber-based packaging independently predicted higher ΣPFAS after adjustment (β=0.72; 95% CI: 0.59–0.85; p<0.001). Conclusion: Beverage packaging, especially fiber-based materials, contains measurable PFAS and can contribute to beverage-phase exposure via migration under standardized conditions, supporting intensified surveillance and transition to fluorine-free alternatives.