Iowa PFAS Food Packaging Bill (HF 588): What Food Businesses Should Know

Iowa HF 588: An Overview

Iowa House File 588 (HF 588) is a proposed bill in the Iowa Legislature's 91st General Assembly (2025–2027) that would prohibit the sale of food packaging containing intentionally added PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in the state of Iowa. If enacted, the ban would take effect on January 1, 2026.

As of this writing, HF 588 has been introduced but has not yet been enacted into law. The bill is part of a broader national trend: more than a dozen US states have already passed PFAS food packaging restrictions, and several others — including Iowa — have proposed similar legislation. For a comprehensive look at enacted and proposed PFAS bans across all states, see our complete guide to PFAS food packaging bans in 2026.

Regulation Details

What Would Be Covered

If enacted, HF 588 would apply to all food packaging sold in Iowa that contains intentionally added PFAS. Unlike some state laws that limit their scope to specific materials such as plant fiber-based containers, the Iowa bill would cast a broader net. Packaging types that would fall under the proposed ban include:

• Paper and molded fiber takeout containers
• Clamshell containers and hinged-lid boxes
• Paper plates, bowls, and food trays
• Pizza boxes and bakery bags
• Paper cups and cup lids
• Sandwich wraps, liners, and parchment paper
• Microwave popcorn bags
• Fast food wrappers and grease-resistant paper
• Any other packaging intended for direct food contact

The "intentionally added" standard means that the bill would target PFAS that are deliberately introduced during manufacturing to provide properties such as grease resistance, moisture barriers, or non-stick surfaces. Trace levels of PFAS resulting from environmental contamination or incidental contact — rather than deliberate addition — would generally not trigger the ban, though the bill as introduced does not specify a numeric threshold.

Why PFAS Are Used in Food Packaging

PFAS are widely used in food packaging because of their ability to repel grease, oil, and water. A burger wrapper that keeps grease from soaking through, a popcorn bag that withstands heat and oil, or a paper bowl that holds a hot, saucy meal without leaking — these performance characteristics are frequently achieved through PFAS-based coatings or treatments. The concern is that these same chemicals can migrate into food and, because PFAS do not break down easily in the environment, they accumulate over time in both ecosystems and human bodies.

Current Legislative Status

HF 588 was introduced during the Iowa 91st General Assembly, which runs from 2025 through 2027. As of February 2026, the bill's status is introduced. It has not yet advanced through committee or received a floor vote in either chamber.

For a bill to become law in Iowa, it must pass both the Iowa House of Representatives and the Iowa Senate, then be signed by the Governor. Many bills are introduced in each legislative session and do not advance beyond the committee stage. Whether HF 588 gains enough support to move forward will depend on a range of factors, including committee assignments, legislative priorities, lobbying efforts, and the broader political environment around PFAS regulation.

Iowa food businesses should be aware that even if HF 588 does not pass in its current form, similar legislation could be reintroduced in future sessions. The national momentum toward PFAS restrictions in food packaging continues to grow, with new states enacting bans each year.

What This Would Mean for Iowa Food Businesses

If HF 588 were enacted as introduced, food businesses operating in Iowa — including restaurants, food trucks, catering companies, bakeries, and packaged food brands — would need to ensure that their food packaging does not contain intentionally added PFAS by the proposed effective date of January 1, 2026.

Who Would Be Affected

Based on the bill as introduced, primary responsibility would fall on manufacturers and distributors of food packaging sold in Iowa. This follows the pattern of most enacted state PFAS food packaging laws, which place liability upstream in the supply chain rather than on the end-user (restaurants and food service operators).

However, even in states where restaurants are not directly liable, food businesses are affected indirectly. If your packaging supplier is non-compliant, you may face supply chain disruptions, need to find alternative products on short notice, or bear the cost of switching to compliant packaging. Proactive preparation is worthwhile regardless of where formal liability falls.

Penalty Structure

As introduced, HF 588 does not specify a detailed penalty structure for violations. If the bill advances, enforcement provisions and penalty amounts would likely be defined or clarified during the committee review process. For reference, enacted PFAS food packaging laws in other states typically carry civil penalties ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 per violation, depending on the jurisdiction and whether the offense is a first or subsequent violation.

How to Prepare

Even though HF 588 has not been enacted, there are practical steps Iowa food businesses can take now to prepare for the possibility of a PFAS food packaging ban — and to reduce PFAS exposure in their operations regardless of what happens legislatively.

1. Audit your current packaging inventory. Identify all food-contact packaging your business uses and note the materials and suppliers for each item. Pay particular attention to grease-resistant paper products, molded fiber containers, and any packaging marketed as having moisture or oil barrier properties, as these are the most likely to contain PFAS.
2. Ask suppliers about PFAS. Contact your packaging suppliers and ask whether their products contain intentionally added PFAS. Request written documentation — a Certificate of Analysis (COA) or Certificate of Compliance — that confirms PFAS-free status. Suppliers who cannot or will not provide this information should be flagged for further evaluation.
3. Research PFAS-free alternatives. The market for PFAS-free food packaging has expanded significantly as more states have enacted bans. Many suppliers now offer grease-resistant paper, molded fiber containers, and other products that achieve the necessary performance characteristics without PFAS. Our PFAS-free packaging cost guide can help you evaluate pricing and options.
4. Build relationships with compliant suppliers early. If a ban is enacted, demand for PFAS-free packaging may spike as businesses rush to comply. Establishing supplier relationships and testing alternative products now — before a deadline — gives you more time to find options that work for your specific needs and budget.
5. Document your efforts. Keep records of your packaging audit, supplier communications, and any testing or certification documents you receive. This documentation demonstrates due diligence and can be valuable if regulations are enacted and enforcement begins.
6. Monitor the bill's progress. Track HF 588 through the Iowa Legislature's website or sign up for regulatory alerts. Understanding whether the bill advances, stalls, or is amended will help you calibrate your preparation timeline.
7. Consider multi-state compliance. If your business operates in or ships to multiple states, you may already be subject to enacted PFAS food packaging bans elsewhere. Aligning your packaging choices with the most restrictive existing regulations can simplify compliance if Iowa or other states enact similar laws.