K A S H R U T . C O M_©

New York likely to become third state to ban PHAS in food packaging

July 29, 2020 from Food Safety News:

"A bill to ban the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances known as PFAS, that are a group of man-made chemicals that includes PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and many other chemicals in food packaging after Dec.31, 2022, is now on New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s desk."

"The bill amending New York’s environmental conservation law cleared the New York General Assembly on July 23. If signed into law by Gov. Cuomo, the new law will prohibit anyone from distributing, selling, or offering for sale any food in any packaging containing PFAS chemicals."

"PFAS, as an intentionally added chemical, will be illegal after Dec. 21, 2022, which is the effective date of the new law. It passed the General Assembly by a 118-to-23 vote."

"Legislative sponsors say the new law will protect consumers from the harmful effects of a dangerous class of chemicals linked to serious health problems."

"The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Patricia Fahy (A. 4739) and Senator Brad Hoylman (S. 8817), bans the sale or distribution of food packaging that contains PFAS."

"According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), people can be exposed to low levels of PFAS through food, which can become contaminated through:

• Contaminated soil and water used to grow the food,
• Food packaging containing PFAS, and
• Equipment that used PFAS during food processing.

  "If Governor Cuomo signs the PFAS ban into law, New York will join Washington state and Maine, which have already prohibited PFAS in food packaging. Safer alternatives to PFAS have proven to be as effective at repelling water and grease."