Congress Introduces No Toxics in Food Packaging Act to Ban Harmful Chemicals

News, Regulations, Regulations | By: AkvaProfit Team

Date of publication: June 12, 2026

Congressional Democrats have introduced the No Toxics in Food Packaging Act, aiming to prohibit harmful chemicals in food packaging and processing materials. The proposed legislation targets substances such as ortho-phthalates, PFAS, BPA, and styrene polymers, among others, to enhance food safety and protect public health.

Sponsored by Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representatives Jan Schakowsky and Rosa DeLauro, the bill emphasizes the need to prevent the replacement of these chemicals with other harmful alternatives, particularly for vulnerable populations. Importantly, the legislation does not override existing state regulations on toxic substances, with states like Illinois and Maine already implementing bans on PFAS in food packaging.

Supporters of the bill, including the Environmental Defense Fund and Consumer Reports, argue that consumers deserve assurance that their food is free from dangerous chemicals linked to serious health risks, including cancer and hormone disruption. Schakowsky highlighted the urgency of addressing the presence of toxic substances in food packaging, stating, “These toxic substances have no place anywhere near our food.”

The bill identifies a range of unsafe food-contact substances, including:
– Ortho-phthalates
– PFAS
– Various forms of Bisphenol (A, B, S, F, AF)
– Acrolein
– Acrylamide
– BHA
– Chlorinated paraffins
– 1,4-Dioxane
– Asbestos
– Benzene
– Chloroform
– Methylene chloride
– Ethylene oxide
– Formaldehyde
– Styrene polymers

Previous attempts to ban certain phthalates from food-contact use have not gained traction, with the FDA rejecting petitions in 2023. However, the agency is currently evaluating the safety of phthalates used in food packaging, indicating a potential shift in regulatory focus.

The introduction of the No Toxics in Food Packaging Act reflects growing public concern over toxic substances in food and aligns with ongoing discussions about food safety and sustainability in the packaging industry.