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PFAS rules are expanding into disposable gloves

12/26/25, 4:00 AM

What’s happening

State-level rules targeting intentionally added PFAS in food-contact materials are expanding in scope. In several states, the definition of “food package/food packaging” explicitly includes plastic disposable gloves used in commercial or institutional food service.

Why it matters (for facilities and distributors)

  • Procurement specs are changing: Buyers may request written PFAS statements or certificates of compliance for disposable gloves used in food service.

  • Risk management: If a glove is treated as part of regulated “food packaging,” PFAS claims become a compliance topic, not just an ESG topic.

  • Documentation readiness: Some laws require manufacturers/distributors to maintain compliance documentation.

Where this is already visible (examples)

  • Maryland: The law prohibits certain food packages with intentionally added PFAS beginning January 1, 2024, and its food package definition includes plastic disposable food-service gloves.

  • Maine: Maine’s food packaging program defines food packaging to include plastic disposable gloves and has adopted a PFAS prohibition for certain plant-fiber food packaging effective May 25, 2026.

  • Vermont: Vermont’s food packaging provisions (effective January 1, 2026) define “packaging component” to include disposable gloves used in commercial or institutional food service.

What to do now (simple compliance checklist)

  1. Ask for a PFAS statement covering intentionally added PFAS for food-service disposable gloves used in your accounts.

  2. Keep compliance records (statements, specs, test summaries if available) in a single folder per SKU.

  3. Map your glove uses: Identify which disposable gloves are used in food contact / food-service settings vs. other settings.

  4. Update your internal FAQ: Define “intentionally added PFAS” and what your company will (and will not) claim.

  5. Watch federal food-contact updates: FDA activity on PFAS in food contact continues to evolve.


“Some state food-packaging laws now treat plastic disposable food-service gloves as part of regulated food packaging. If you supply gloves into food service, it’s a good time to ask for PFAS-free verification and keep compliance paperwork organized.”

- The Glove Academy Team

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