Bill · H.R. 9231· House(119-HR-9231)
No Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 6/9/2026
- Last activity
- 6/9/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Janice Schakowsky
- Cosponsors
- - 14 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "No Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging Act of 2026" amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. It lists specific chemicals, such as PFAS and asbestos, that are deemed unsafe for use as food contact substances. The bill requires the Secretary to consider effects on vulnerable populations when evaluating alternative substances. It also ensures that state and local governments can maintain laws that are more stringent than federal requirements. These changes would take effect two years after the Act is enacted.
Yes· 3 of 31
Would children be better off under this?+9
Specifically targets protections for infants, children, and adolescents from toxic chemicals.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+9
Specifically identifies the elderly as a vulnerable population to be protected.
Would women be better off under this?+9
Specifically protects pregnant women from exposure to toxic packaging chemicals.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-3
May increase compliance costs for packaging manufacturers and food companies.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Removal of Unsafe Chemicals: Section 2(a)(1) identifies 15 specific substances and chemical classes, including benzene, formaldehyde, and PFAS, as unsafe for food contact substances, which removes these from food packaging.
-
Protection of Vulnerable Groups: Section 2(a)(2) requires the Secretary to consider adverse effects on vulnerable populations—such as infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and workers—when determining if alternative substances are safe.
-
Stronger Local Protections: Section 2(b)(1) allows states and local governments to enforce their own rules regarding food additives that are more stringent than the federal requirements.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Negative Impacts Listed: The provided text does not contain any provisions that describe negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+9Good For Retirees+9Good For Seniors+9Good For Women+9Good For People With Disabilities+8Good For African Americans+7Good For Asian Americans+7Good For Billionaires+7Good For High Income Households+7Good For High Net Worth Individuals+7Good For Hispanic Americans+7Good For Immigrants+7Good For L G B T Q Community+7Good For Low Income Households+7Good For Men+7Good For Middle Aged+7Good For Middle Class Households+7Good For Native Americans+7Good For Rural Residents+7Good For Students+7Good For Ultra High Net Worth Individuals+7Good For Urban Residents+7Good For Veterans+7Good For White Americans+7Good For Young Adults+7Good For Union Workers+6Good For Business Owners-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights+7Increases Federal Power+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+8
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+6
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+2
- 9/1/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/31/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/14/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/23/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/22/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/9/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 9 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Nanette BarragánDemocrat · California
Rosa DeLauroDemocrat · Connecticut
Debbie DingellDemocrat · Michigan
Laura FriedmanDemocrat · California
Jesús GarcíaDemocrat · Illinois
Adelita GrijalvaDemocrat · Arizona
Jonathan JacksonDemocrat · Illinois
Zoe LofgrenDemocrat · California
Stephen LynchDemocrat · Massachusetts
Ted LieuDemocrat · California
Kevin MullinDemocrat · California
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Chellie PingreeDemocrat · Maine
Bonnie Watson ColemanDemocrat · New Jersey