UK Government introduces first national PFAS plan targeting ‘forever chemicals’

The UK Government has unveiled its first-ever national PFAS plan to tackle the so-called ‘forever chemicals’, in a move that could have major implications for food packaging, manufacturing and environmental regulation.

Announced today (Tuesday 3 February 2026), the PFAS Plan provides a co-ordinated framework for governments, regulators and businesses to identify where these chemicals come from, track how they spread and cut public and environmental exposure.

Industries and consumers use per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances widely in applications such as low-carbon technologies and critical manufacturing, but growing evidence shows their persistence creates long-term risks for both people and ecosystems.

Drinking water limits under consultation

Although the Government says the UK currently has “one of the highest quality drinking water supplies in the world”, and that “there is currently no evidence of PFAS above permitted levels in England and Wales”, ministers confirmed a consultation will be launched later this year on introducing a statutory limit for PFAS in England’s public supply regulations.

The announcement comes just weeks after new EU drinking water regulations were introduced on 12 January under the recast Drinking Water Directive, requiring mandatory monitoring of PFAS contamination across all member states and reporting results to the European Commission.

Environment Minister Emma Hardy said:

The persistent nature of ‘forever chemicals’ means they pose a long-term challenge for not only our health, but that of the nation’s vital ecosystems.

It’s crucial that we protect both public health and the environment for future generations. Through our PFAS Plan, we will act decisively to reduce their harmful effects while transitioning to safer alternatives.

We will work in partnership with regulators, industry and local communities to deliver co-ordinated action to ensure ‘forever chemicals’ are not a forever problem.”

Food packaging in the spotlight

For food and drink professionals, one of the most significant measures is the government’s commitment to testing food packaging materials, including “microwave popcorn bags and pizza boxes”, to trace PFAS presence and inform potential future regulatory action.

The plan also signals opportunities for innovation, with safer alternatives encouraged through modified production methods that could deliver PFAS-free products that remain affordable.

First assessment of coastal contamination

The government will also assess the full extent of PFAS contamination in England’s estuaries and coastal waters for the first time, with improved monitoring of sediment and invertebrates to strengthen the evidence base for future action.

Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy added:

The Environment Agency is playing a vital part in tackling the challenge of PFAS.

Through our monitoring programmes, risk screening work, regulatory expertise and assessment of evidence, we are helping to inform the public and stakeholders about our work to protect the environment from the risks posed by PFAS.

We will play a critical role in delivering the government’s PFAS Plan, building on the work we have undertaken in recent years.”

Key measures for industry

The PFAS Plan outlines further interventions, including:

• New guidance on tackling legacy PFAS pollution on contaminated land
• Consultation on statutory PFAS limits in drinking water regulations
• Reduced emissions from industrial sites through improved handling and disposal guidance
• Expanded soil monitoring with new sampling at five sites across England
• Work towards restrictions on PFAS use in firefighting foams
• A new public website to improve transparency and awareness

The government said it will work closely with regulators and industry on a “science-based and proportionate approach” to minimise PFAS risks to public health, the environment and future generations.