The Australian Beverages Council actively monitors and responds to emerging environmental and public health issues relevant to the beverage sector, including Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) and microplastics. 

PFAS

Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) are a large group of widely used chemicals that have been a growing focus for many governments and stakeholders in recent years. These chemicals have been used for decades in a variety of products because they are non-stick, waterproof, flame-retardant, and heat-resistant. Globally, there is no consistent regulatory definition of PFAS: some jurisdictions propose broad definitions covering thousands of substances, while others target specific compounds.

Due to their widespread use and long-lasting nature, PFAS are now present at trace levels throughout the environment, including in air, soil and water. Leading beverage companies don’t create or use most types of PFAS in their products or packaging, and they remove trace amounts through advanced water treatment.

In response to increased attention on PFAS, particularly in soil and groundwater around military and commercial airports, the Australian Beverages Council has implemented the following: 

• Voluntary market testing of bottled water and other water-based beverages for PFAS at independent, NATA-accredited laboratories 
• New PFAS testing requirements in the ABWI Model Code for groundwater source operators and bottled water members, aligned with the limits in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 
• Ongoing monitoring of emerging scientific research 
• Regular engagement with local regulators on the latest advice 
• Monitoring of emerging technologies and innovations related to PFAS. 

For Further information:
FSANZ work on PFAS 
Australian Centre for Disease Control 
NHMRC Review of PFAS in Australian drinking water 

Microplastics

Microplastics are widespread in the environment and have been detected in marine and fresh water, wastewater, food, air and drinking water. Nearly two-thirds of microplastics released into the environment are linked to washing synthetic textiles and wear from vehicle tyres (OECD 2021).

Current scientific evidence does not demonstrate that the levels of microplastics detected in beverages pose a risk to human health, as substantiated by authorities including the World Health Organization, the European Food Safety Authority and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Authorities and industry agree that further research is needed, including the development of standardised testing methods. Without them, studies are difficult to compare and reliable conclusions are hard to reach.

Scientific authorities, including the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization, state that there is currently no reliable evidence that microplastics pose a risk to human health. However, authorities and industry agree that further research is required to better understand potential impacts. 

Reflecting growing public interest and remaining knowledge gaps, the European Parliament has asked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to assess the potential health risks of microplastics in food, water and air. EFSA’s scientific opinion, expected by the end of 2027, will help advance understanding in an area where scientific uncertainty remains. 

The beverage industry supports evidence-based policy development and continues to engage with regulators and monitor the latest scientific research. 

Further information:
FSANZ | Microplastics in Food
Australian Institute of Marine Science | Marine Microplastics
WHO | Dietary and inhalation exposure to nano- and microplastic particles and potential implications for human health