Intermark · Butcher & Deli Paper
Butcher Paper White Disposable Wrapping or Smoking Meat
Standard butcher paper; PFAS risk unclear due to coating opacity.
Intermark butcher paper has unspecified moisture-resistant coating typical of meat wrapping products. No PFAS disclosure or third-party verification available; composition of water-resistant treatment remains unknown.
The safe swap
Aplin Films
Idl Packaging White Butcher Paper 18" x 12000" Natural Butcher Paper Roll for Meat and Fish
70/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its C.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Paper with moisture-resistant coating (composition unspecified)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
food packaging is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Intermark butcher paper is cellulose-based paper with an unspecified moisture-resistant coating applied to one side. The coating prevents grease and meat juices from soaking through, which is essential for food safety and product integrity during smoking or storage. However, the exact chemical identity of this coating is not publicly disclosed by the manufacturer, making full hazard assessment impossible. Moisture-resistant coatings on food-contact paper historically have used either wax, silicone, or synthetic polymers; modern food-grade versions typically avoid harmful additives, but opacity creates uncertainty.
The brand's record and disclosure
Intermark Electronics is a packaging supplier with limited public transparency regarding material composition or third-party certifications for this product line. No FDA approval statements, PFAS phase-out commitments, or independent safety certifications are readily available for this specific butcher paper. The brand has not publicly disclosed whether the moisture-resistant coating contains PFAS, fluorinated compounds, or other regulated substances. This silence is notable because major food-packaging manufacturers in North America have increasingly committed to PFAS-free formulations in response to regulatory pressure and consumer demand.
How it compares in its category
Butcher paper with disclosed coatings (wax or silicone-based) are common in the category; Intermark's lack of coating transparency is a relative weakness. Some competitors market explicitly PFAS-free or mineral-oil-coated butcher paper with third-party verification. The white color and moisture resistance suggest a synthetic or semi-synthetic coating rather than traditional wax, which raises questions about composition but does not indicate a specific hazard. Typical food-grade butcher paper from major suppliers (Kraft, Sysco house brands) often provide better ingredient disclosure.
If you buy it
Use this paper only for its intended purpose: wrapping raw or cooked meat, smoking, or temporary food contact. Do not use at temperatures above 200 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods, as unknown coatings may degrade or volatilize. Store rolls in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent coating deterioration. Replace the paper if visible signs of damage, discoloration, or grease breakthrough occur; do not reuse for multiple smoking sessions or high-heat applications.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Unspecified coating composition (potential fluorinated compounds)
Moisture-resistant coatings on food-contact paper may contain PFAS or other fluorinated chemicals; Intermark has not disclosed coating chemistry. Without manufacturer certification, presence or absence cannot be confirmed from public sources.
Thermal degradation of unknown polymer coating
If the coating is synthetic polymer-based rather than wax, high heat during smoking (above 200-250F prolonged exposure) could cause breakdown or volatilization of compounds into food. Composition opacity prevents specific thermal safety assessment.
Ink or surface contamination migration
Intermark butcher paper does not appear to use visible printing on the food-contact side; no documented migration issues reported for this brand. Standard industry practice avoids food-contact-side printing.
Bacterial growth or mold on stored paper
Paper-based food contact materials are inherently resistant to microbial colonization if kept dry. No specific contamination recalls or advisories linked to Intermark butcher paper are on record.
Bleach residues or chlorine compounds in pulp
Food-grade butcher paper typically uses bleaching agents that are processed to food-safety standards; no evidence of residual chlorine toxicity in commercial butcher paper products exists in public safety databases.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Butcher & Deli Paper
Aplin Films
Idl Packaging White Butcher Paper 18" x 12000" Natural Butcher Paper Roll for Meat and Fish
Natural bleached kraft paper, no specified coating
Lower concern. Uncoated butcher paper unlikely to contain PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
Safeseal
IDL Packaging PFAS-Free Grease-Proof Paper Sheets
grease-proof paper with unspecified water/grease-resistant coating
Claim unverified; grease-proof coatings historically use PFAS.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Sappi Fine Papers
IDL Packaging PFAS-Free Grease-Proof Paper Sheets
paper with grease-resistant coating
Brand claims PFAS-free. No independent verification found. Proceed with caution.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
More butcher & deli paper grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.