Schakowsky, Blumenthal, DeLauro Introduce Legislation to Ban Toxic Chemicals from Food Packaging

Full Text of Bill (PDF)

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) introduced the No Toxics in Food Packaging Act, legislation to ban some of the most dangerous toxic chemicals from food packaging and food processing materials. The bill targets chemicals that have been linked to cancer, reproductive harm, and other serious health risks.

"Consumers should be able to trust that the food they put on their tables is safe. Yet harmful chemicals linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and other serious health risks continue to be used in food packaging, exposing Americans to unnecessary dangers. These toxic substances have no place anywhere near our food," said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. "This crucial legislation would finally ban some of the most hazardous chemicals used in food packaging and food processing materials. We must act now to protect public health, strengthen consumer safety, and ensure that the American people, not corporate interests, come first."

"Our measure keeps cancer-causing toxins like PFAS and asbestos out of food packaging and processing materials," said Senator Richard Blumenthal. "Toxic chemicals linked to breast cancer and hormone disruption should be nowhere near our food. By banning these substances from food packaging, our legislation will give consumers peace of mind that the products in their pantries and fridges are not a risk to their health."

"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" said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. "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."

Despite mounting scientific evidence about the dangers these substances pose, many continue to be used in materials that come into contact with food. The No Toxics in Food Packaging Act would prohibit the use of PFAS, ortho-phthalates, bisphenols such as BPA, and other harmful chemicals in food-contact materials, helping reduce unnecessary exposure and better protect public health.

"Federal law has been clear for decades: chemicals shown to cause cancer should not be approved for use in food-contact materials," said Nancy Buermeyer, Director of Program and Policy at Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. "Yet here we are - carcinogens remain authorized in food packaging and processing equipment used every day by Americans. The No Toxics in Food Packaging Act closes that gap and puts a simple principle back where it belongs: your family's health comes before chemical industry profits."

"No one should have to worry about cancer-causing chemicals in their food, yet food packaging used every day contains notorious toxics such as methylene chloride, asbestos, formaldehyde and TCE. For decades, the FDA has neglected its responsibility to enforce the legal ban on the use of carcinogens in food," said Joanna Slaney, vice president for political and government affairs at Environmental Defense Fund. "We applaud Rep. Schakowsky, Rep. DeLauro, and Sen. Blumenthal for introducing the No Toxics in Food Packaging Act to get these harmful chemicals out of our food supply for good."

Additional cosponsors of the No Toxics in Food Packaging Act include U.S. Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), as well as U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The legislation is endorsed by the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Environmental Defense Fund, California Environmental Voters, CalPIRG, Center for Environmental Health, Consumer Reports, Beyond Pesticides, Beyond Plastics, Center for Food Safety, Clean Earth 4 Kids, Friends of the Earth, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Clean Water Action.

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