If you’re reading this, you’ve more than likely heard about California’s new legislation to ban food
packaging containing PFAS substances. The California Safer Food Packaging and Cookware Act of
2021 (AB 1200) has passed and will begin on January 1st of 2023 (if you operate outside of
California, keep reading, this may affect you sooner than you think). This new law has significant
implications for the way your company approaches food packaging and cookware.
If you’re in a hurry, we’ve made a TL;DR at the bottom, hitting the key points.
Now let’s get into it.
First and foremost, the Act bans the sale or distribution of plant-based food packaging that contains
intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals, which
have been linked to serious health problems such as certain types of cancers, birth defects, hormone
disruption, and other effects, have been a source of concern for public health advocates for years. By
banning PFAS in food packaging in California, the Act aims to protect consumers from exposure to
these harmful chemicals.
In addition to the ban on PFAS in food packaging, the Act also requires cookware manufacturers to
disclose any hazardous chemicals present in their products. This will allow consumers to make
informed decisions about the safety of the cookware they use in their homes, and will help to prevent
misleading advertising on cookware packaging. If your company uses cookware in its operations, such
as in a restaurant or catering business, it's important to pay attention to this provision of the Act and
ensure that you are using cookware that complies with the new requirements.
The impact of the Act doesn't stop at California's borders. As more and more states and companies
become aware of the dangers of toxic chemicals in food packaging and cookware, it is very likely that
we'll see similar regulations popping up in other parts of the country. This means that even if your
company isn't based in California, it's important to stay informed about the latest developments in this
area and to consider proactively transitioning to safer, PFAS-free packaging and cookware options.
So what can you do to stay ahead of the game and ensure that your company is in compliance with the
Act? Here are a few key steps to take:
Review your current food packaging and cookware options. Are they free of PFAS chemicals? If not, consider transitioning to alternatives that are safer for consumers.
Stay informed about the latest regulatory developments in this area. This will help you to stay ahead of the curve and avoid potential liabilities.
TL;DR:
The California Safer Food Packaging and Cookware Act of 2021 (AB 1200) will go into effect on January 1, 2023.
The Act bans the sale or distribution of plant-based food packaging containing PFAS chemicals.
The Act also requires cookware manufacturers to disclose hazardous chemicals in their products.
The Act aims to protect public health and provide consumers with the information they need to make informed decisions about the safety of the products they use.
Food industry companies, even those outside of California, should review their current packaging and cookware options, stay informed about regulatory developments, and consider transitioning to safer, PFAS-free options to comply with the Act and protect public health.