COLUMBUS, OHIO — In an effort to respond to rising consumer concerns about chemicals in packaged products, Battelle, a nonprofit research and development organization, announced it is offering testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in packaged products, including pet food.

Invented in the 1940s, there are thousands of different PFAS chemicals, and some are very useful; however, exposure to other members of the PFAS family can be dangerous to human health and the environment, according to Battelle. 

Through internal investments and expertise, Battelle has developed PFAS capabilities, as well as comprehensive vulnerability assessments to help companies understand and mitigate their PFAS risk. Additionally, the organization invented the PFAS Annihilator, an invention to help destroy unwanted chemicals, and created a company called Revive Environmental to use that invention in the field. 

“We are not just testing for PFAS; we are helping companies understand their entire PFAS landscape, from supply chain to final product,” said Amy Dindal, PFAS business line director at Battelle. “Our goal is to provide data that empowers companies to make informed decisions about their products and practices.”

In order to provide companies with the best PFAS testing capabilities, Battelle has recently expanded its testing capacity, created comprehensive risk mitigation, and continued to build innovative techniques and technologies. According to Battelle, this is part of its commitment to helping companies understand where their risks lie and how to mitigate them.

Read more about pet food safety on our Operations page.