No Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging Act of 2026

Bill Number: H.R. 9231
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Health
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-06-09: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Last Updated: 2026-07-01T16:12:54Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the use of specific chemicals in food contact substances, such as packaging and containers that touch food. It aims to protect public health by classifying listed substances as unsafe.

Key Provisions Outlined

The bill adds a new subsection to Section 409 listing 15 categories of substances deemed unsafe for food contact use, including:
Ortho-phthalates (a class of chemicals used in plastics).
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as "forever chemicals").
Bisphenol A, B, S, F, or AF and related compounds.
Acrolein, acrylamide, BHA, chlorinated paraffins, 1,4-dioxane, asbestos, benzene, chloroform, methylene chloride, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, and styrene polymers.
When reviewing petitions for alternative substances, the Secretary must evaluate potential adverse effects on vulnerable populations, defined as infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, those with medical conditions, exposed workers, and disproportionately exposed communities.
The bill preserves state and local authority to enact stricter rules on food additives beyond federal requirements.
The new prohibitions take effect two years after the bill's enactment.

Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced

Existing Section 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act is expanded to automatically deem the listed chemicals unsafe, bypassing the prior case-by-case safety review process for these substances.
A new preservation clause explicitly allows states and localities to maintain or create more protective standards on food contact substances.
The amendment introduces mandatory consideration of vulnerable populations in safety evaluations for replacement chemicals.

Potential Impacts on Government Agencies, Citizens, or International Relations

The Food and Drug Administration would need to enforce the ban and review alternative petitions with added population-focused criteria.
Food manufacturers and packaging producers may face requirements to reformulate products within two years.
Citizens could see reduced exposure to the listed chemicals through food packaging.
No direct effects on international relations are specified in the bill.

Main Stakeholders Affected by This Legislation

Food and beverage manufacturers.
Packaging and materials suppliers.
The Food and Drug Administration and other federal regulators.
State and local governments.
Consumers, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant individuals.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

The bill reinforces federal preemption limits by explicitly upholding state authority, which could lead to varied regulations across jurisdictions.
It shifts from individualized safety determinations to categorical prohibitions for the listed substances.
The two-year delay provides a transition period for compliance.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9]

Cosponsors (11)

Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Friedman, Laura [D-CA-30], Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7]

Recent Actions

2026-06-09: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
2026-06-09: Introduced in House
2026-06-09: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

No Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-09 — PDF (5 pages)