Recent headlines like “95 Million Americans Have PFAS-Laced Drinking Water” underscore the alarming prevalence of toxic PFAS chemicals—also known as “forever chemicals”—in our food, bodies, and environment. From drinking water contamination to game meat consumption advisories, the evidence is clear: PFAS are a widespread problem and a threat to human health.
What’s less clear—until now—is how well the retailers are responding to protect us from these dangerous substances.
Last month, Toxic-Free Future released its annual Retailer Report Card, evaluating and grading the largest retailers in the U.S. and Canada on their safer chemical policies. This report offers critical insights into how companies are addressing the use of PFAS and other harmful chemicals in their products.
The report card assesses retailers on four key criteria:
- Corporate Commitment: How strong is their public pledge to eliminate harmful chemicals?
- Transparency: Are they open about the chemicals in their supply chains and products?
- Ban the Bad: Have they taken steps to phase out dangerous chemicals like PFAS?
- Safer Solutions: Are they investing in and adopting safer alternatives?
Among 50 evaluated retailers, the average grade was a D+, with 17 companies earning failing grades and landing in the “Toxic Hall of Shame.”
As consumers, we have the right to trust that the food we eat, the products we use, and the environments we inhabit are safe. Multinational corporations making billions in revenue should not be selling goods that poison us.
At VPIRG, we’ve been tackling toxic chemicals for decades, pushing for policies and laws that hold industries accountable and protect public health. While reports like the Retailer Report Card empower consumers with critical information, we must emphasize that the responsibility for safer products should rest with manufacturers and retailers—not consumers.
Policy change remains one of the most powerful ways to hold industries accountable and drive meaningful action. In fact, earlier this year Vermont passed one of the most comprehensive PFAS bans in the country—a landmark victory championed by VPIRG. This transformative law prohibits the production or sale of products containing intentionally added PFAS, including cosmetics, menstrual products, artificial turf, incontinence products, juvenile products, cookware, ski wax, and textiles.
These bans force manufacturers to innovate and find safer alternatives, reducing the toxic burden on consumers and the environment.
While we advocate for systemic changes, individual actions still matter. The Retailer Report Card outlines actionable steps you can take to demand better from the companies you shop with. Use your voice to hold retailers accountable for their role in perpetuating toxic exposures.
We all deserve a healthier, safer future. By staying informed and advocating for change, we can help drive the transition to a toxic-free marketplace.
Check out the full report here: Toxic-Free Future’s Retailer Report Card