US lawmakers reintroduce bill targeting chemicals used in food packaging

Democratic lawmakers in the United States have reintroduced legislation that would prohibit the use of a number of chemicals in food packaging and food processing materials.

The proposed No Toxics in Food Packaging Act was introduced by Representative Jan Schakowsky, Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Rosa DeLauro. The bill seeks to restrict substances used in food-contact applications that lawmakers say have been linked to health and environmental concerns.

Under the proposal, a range of chemicals would be deemed unsafe for use as food-contact substances, including ortho-phthalates, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), bisphenols such as BPA, BPS and BPF, styrene polymers, chlorinated paraffins, formaldehyde, ethylene oxide and several other substances.

The legislation would also cover chemicals including acrylamide, acrolein, benzene, chloroform, methylene chloride, 1,4-dioxane and asbestos.

A previous version of the bill was introduced in 2023 but did not advance through Congress. Supporters of the latest proposal argue that it would help reduce consumer exposure to substances that have been associated with a range of health risks and bring additional scrutiny to chemicals used in food-contact materials.

Americans are waking up to a vast number of toxic substances that contaminate their food regularly and they are rightfully demanding action, especially in wake of an Administration that has done little to protect American’s health. Toxic substances must be banned from food packaging – Americans deserve the peace of mind that the products they buy are not increasing their risk of cancer or hormone disruption. We know that exposure to dangerous ‘forever chemicals’ from food packaging increases health risks. It is time we eliminate that risk altogether. I am proud to introduce this legislation with Congresswoman Schakowsky. We must lower the risk of cancer and other detrimental effects and protect Americans’ health.

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.

The bill has received backing from a number of environmental, consumer and public health organisations, including Consumer Reports, Environmental Defense Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council, Friends of the Earth, Beyond Plastics and the Center for Food Safety.

If passed, the legislation could have implications for food packaging manufacturers, material suppliers and food producers that currently use affected substances in packaging or food processing applications.