Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging
Current understanding
Federal policy on restricting toxic chemicals (e.g., PFAS, phthalates, bisphenols) in food packaging and food contact substances. HR9231 (No Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging Act of 2026) was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce; status is introduced, with no committee action yet. Effects on farmers, consumers, and food prices would depend on scope of restricted substances, compliance timelines, and packaging substitution costs.
Evidence log
- 2025-12-04 — Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act: cross-connection with pfas-farmer-relief: Both address PFAS exposure pathways in the food system — this bill compensates farmers on the contamination-receiving end, while food packaging rules target an upstream source of PFAS entering the food supply. (novelty: 3)
- 2026-07-06 — Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act of 2026: 2026-07 — HR9593 (Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act of 2026) introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce; narrower PFAS-in-food-containers scope alongside the broader HR9231/S4724 packaging bills. (novelty: 2) (novelty: 2)
- 2026-06-09 — No Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging Act of 2026: S4724 (No Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging Act of 2026) introduced in the Senate and referred to the HELP Committee, serving as a Senate companion to HR9231. (novelty: 2)
- 2026-05-29 — Celiac Safety Act of 2026: cross-connection with celiac-safety-labeling: Both are 2026 food-safety bills referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, reflecting a broader legislative push on FDA-administered food safety and labeling. (novelty: 2)