Food packaging: hazardous chemicals.

Assembly Member Sharp-Collins' food packaging safety legislation would prohibit the manufacture and sale of containers and food service items containing certain chemical compounds, establishing new restrictions on bisphenols and ortho-phthalates in California beginning January 2027.

The measure creates a two-tiered regulatory framework for these substances in food packaging, which includes containers, wrappers, utensils and disposable serving items. Starting in 2027, the bill prohibits intentionally added bisphenols and ortho-phthalates - defined as chemicals deliberately incorporated for functional or technical purposes. For unintentionally present amounts, the Department of Toxic Substances Control would set allowable thresholds through regulations, with compliance required one year after those limits are established.

The department would maintain authority to implement more protective standards and restrict additional compounds like tetramethyl bisphenol F if determined to pose health risks. Enforcement would be carried out by the department and Attorney General through administrative or civil penalties ranging from $5,000 for initial violations to $10,000 for subsequent infractions, with violations counted daily for ongoing cases. The measure authorizes use of the Toxic Substances Control Account to fund implementation, subject to legislative appropriation.