The Healthy Food Packaging Act (HB 2658)
BILL SUMMARY:
Washington House Bill 2658 bans the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl – commonly known as PFAS chemicals – in food packaging, contingent on the availability of healthy, viable alternatives. PFAS chemicals, which are used in food packaging for their waterproof and nonstick properties, are persistent, toxic chemicals. These chemicals can negatively affect child development, interfere with hormones, and are linked to cancer. However, this ban will only go into effect in 2022 if the state’s Department of Ecology is able to identify a safer alternative. HB 2658 orders the department to perform an alternatives assessment and publish its findings by 2020. The safer alternative will need to meet hazard standards, while still being economically and practicably viable. Once the ban is implemented, manufacturers will be required to attain a certificate of compliance to certify their packaging meets the new food packaging standards.
STATE:
Washington
FINAL LANGUAGE:
STATUTE:
Chapter 138, Section 1-3
AUTHOR:
Representative Joan McBride
CO-AUTHORS:
Representatives Kagi, Peterson, Fitzgibbon, Doglio, Gregerson, Appleton, Jinkins, Ortiz-Self, Macri, Ryu, Pollet, Kloba, Goodman, Frame and Stanford
SENATE VOTE:
| Yes: 30 | No: 17 |
| R: 5 | R: 16 |
| D: 25 | D: 1 |
ASSEMBLY VOTE:
| Yes: 56 | No: 41 |
| R: 7 | R: 41 |
| D: 49 | D: 0 |
FISCAL IMPACT:
LISTED SUPPORT:
Toxic-Free Future, Clean Production Action, Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit at the University of Washington, Zero Waste Washington, The Endocrine Disruption Exchange, Public Health Seattle and King County
Letters of Support
Letters of Support
LISTED OPPOSITION:
FluoroCouncil, Association of Washington Business, Washington Food Industry ASsociation, Northwest Grocery Association
Letters of Opposition
Letters of Opposition
SENATE FLOOR ANALYSIS:
ASSEMBLY FLOOR ANALYSIS:
REGULATIONS PROGRAM:
