The Hershey Company is facing a class action lawsuit after tests revealed “alarmingly high” levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals,” in the wrappers of several popular chocolate products. Items like Hershey Milk Chocolate bars, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and KitKat bars are named in the lawsuit.
Exposure to PFAS, has been linked to a range of health issues, including various cancers, reduced fertility, thyroid dysfunction, and a heightened risk of asthma, according to the filing. In response to these concerns, the U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration prohibited the use of PFAS in food packaging as of February 2024, as stated in the case.
Reported by classaction.org, the filing indicates that PFAS often come from coatings designed to repel grease and moisture in packaging. However, the complaint argues that these coatings “serve no direct function,” as food wrappers typically do not require enhanced resistance to grease or water.
The lawsuit argues that Hershey’s failure to disclose the presence of these dangerous chemicals misled consumers, who would have avoided the products had they known about the contamination. PFAS, which resist breaking down in the environment, were banned by the FDA for use in food packaging in 2024. The class action seeks compensation for U.S. consumers who purchased the affected products.
