Push grows for permanent ban on harmful chemicals in food packaging
Supporters of the ban argue that consumers should not be exposed to chemicals that are unnecessary for food safety or preservation.
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A renewed effort is underway to permanently ban certain chemicals used in food packaging and food-processing materials, with supporters arguing the substances can migrate into food and potentially harm consumers.
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D) is among the lawmakers backing the proposal. He says manufacturers often use the chemicals to improve packaging performance, including making materials more flexible or visually appealing.
"The manufacturers use these toxic chemicals to make the packaging more attractive, more flexible, but it has consequences because those chemicals seep into the food," Blumenthal said. "They can have truly tragic impacts on people, including cancer, reproductive disruption and other physical effects."
Supporters of the ban argue that consumers should not be exposed to chemicals that are unnecessary for food safety or preservation. They point to research linking some food-packaging chemicals to health concerns, including breast cancer, hormone disruption and reproductive issues.
Blumenthal says the proposed ban would help reduce avoidable exposure to potentially harmful substances and strengthen consumer protections in the nation's food supply.
