Food packaging: hazardous chemicals.

Assembly Member Sharp-Collins proposes expanding California's food packaging safety regulations through legislation that would ban the sale and distribution of containers containing specific chemical compounds, including ortho-phthalates, several bisphenol variants, and antimony trioxide.

The measure defines food packaging broadly to encompass both disposable and reusable items intended for food service and storage, from takeout containers and utensils to food boxes and serving vessels. Beginning January 1, 2027, the sale or distribution of food packaging containing any of the specified chemicals would be prohibited statewide. The bill outlines thirteen specific ortho-phthalates that would be restricted, including commonly used compounds like benzyl-butyl phthalate and di-n-octyl phthalate.

Enforcement authority would rest with the Attorney General's office as well as city attorneys, county counsels, and district attorneys. Violations would result in civil penalties up to $5,000 for initial infractions and $10,000 for subsequent violations. The bill specifies that these enforcement mechanisms supplement rather than replace other available legal remedies, allowing for concurrent pursuit of different enforcement approaches.

The legislation builds upon existing state restrictions on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging. Manufacturers, distributors and retailers would have approximately two years from the bill's introduction to ensure their products comply with the new chemical restrictions before enforcement begins.