Safeway Brand · Butcher Paper & Meat Wrapping
Simply Done Butcher Paper, Pink, 50 Square Feet
Butcher paper likely has grease-resistant coating; brand silent on PFAS content.
Butcher paper typically requires water and grease resistance, often achieved with fluorinated coatings. Safeway brand makes no public PFAS disclosure; direct inquiry recommended.
The safe swap
LEM
LEM 15" Freezer Paper Cutter
80/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its B.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
kraft paper with grease-resistant coating
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
Simply Done Butcher Paper is kraft paper, a strong cellulose product made from wood pulp, with a grease-resistant coating applied to the pink side. The coating is the critical component: grease resistance in commercial butcher paper is typically achieved with fluorinated compounds (PFAS-based) or, less commonly, wax or synthetic alternatives. Safeway has not publicly disclosed which coating chemistry is used in this product. Kraft paper itself is inert, but the coating determines safety during contact with fats, oils, and heat.
The brand's record and disclosure
Safeway (owned by Albertsons) has not published specific ingredient disclosures or PFAS policies for their Simply Done line of food-contact papers. No third-party certifications (such as FDA functional barriers or PFOA-free claims) are advertised on typical product listings. The brand does not appear in public PFAS-reduction commitments documented by environmental groups. Lack of transparency on coating chemistry is standard for budget store-brand papers, but limits informed choice.
How it compares in its category
Most commercial butcher papers (pink or white) use fluorinated grease-resistant coatings; truly PFAS-free alternatives exist but are rare in mainstream retail and often cost 20-40% more. Butcher paper as a category is lower-risk than single-use food wraps or microwave containers because contact is typically brief and non-heated in normal use. Parchment paper and uncoated kraft are alternatives if PFAS avoidance is a priority, though they offer less grease resistance and durability.
If you buy it
Use for wrapping raw or cooked meat at room temperature or brief refrigeration only. Do not use for direct contact with hot foods, inside ovens, or under broilers, as heat can accelerate coating degradation and leaching. Store rolls in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Replace rolls annually or if the coating visibly flakes, cracks, or becomes sticky. Hand-wash any surfaces the paper touched and do not compost or recycle; discard as general waste.
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.”
PFAS in grease-resistant coating
Grease resistance in kraft butcher paper is most commonly achieved with fluorinated compounds (PFAS). Safeway's silence on coating chemistry combined with the product's functional requirement makes PFAS presence probable, though not confirmed by the brand or independent testing publicly available.
Coating degradation and microparticle shedding
Over time, particularly if creased, heated, or stored poorly, the grease-resistant coating can flake or shed microparticles into food contact. Budget-grade papers often use thinner or less durable coatings than premium brands, increasing this risk during normal handling.
Leaching from coating under heat
Direct or prolonged heat exposure (oven, microwave, or hot foods) can cause the grease-resistant coating to soften and transfer to food. This risk is heightened if the coating contains PFAS, which can mobilize at temperatures above 160-180°F depending on formulation.
Bacterial contamination if misused
Butcher paper itself does not harbor or promote bacterial growth when used for its intended purpose (short-term meat wrapping). Risk only arises if paper is reused, exposed to moisture during storage, or used for extended periods without replacement.
Dioxins and chlorine compounds in bleaching
Kraft paper production typically uses minimal chlorine bleaching compared to white papers. The pink color of Simply Done appears to be from natural lignin or a dye, not chemical brighteners. No established hazard from the bleaching process itself in modern kraft production.
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 Paper & Meat Wrapping
LEM
15" Freezer Paper Cutter
stainless steel blade, bare metal construction
Lower concern. Bare metal tool with no coatings identified.
⚠Risky category by default
Compactor
Idl Packaging White Butcher Paper 18" x 12000" Natural Butcher Paper Roll for Meat and Fish
natural kraft butcher paper, no coating specified
Lower concern. Uncoated kraft paper unlikely to contain PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
Compactor
Staples Butcher Paper Roll
cellulose paper, uncoated or minimally treated
Lower concern. Butcher paper is typically uncoated cellulose.
⚠Risky category by default
More butcher paper & meat wrapping 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.