The New York legislature has passed SB 8817, which would prohibit “the distribution, sale, and offer for sale in New York” any food packaging that contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as “intentionally added chemicals.”

“Food packaging is a key place to look for PFAS chemicals, as they often include non-stick components to repel grease. PFAS chemicals in food packaging can enter a human’s bloodstream by leaching into food that is consumed, as well as find its way into the environment through disposal,” states the bill’s justification. “This bill would ban the entire class of PFAS chemicals from food packaging containers used in New York. Washington State signed similar legislation into law in April 2018. In order to protect the health and safety of New Yorkers, we must take an aggressive approach by prohibiting the use of all PFAS chemicals in food packaging.”

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For decades, manufacturers, distributors and retailers at every link in the food chain have come to Shook, Hardy & Bacon to partner with a legal team that understands the issues they face in today's evolving food production industry. Shook attorneys work with some of the world's largest food, beverage and agribusiness companies to establish preventative measures, conduct internal audits, develop public relations strategies, and advance tort reform initiatives.

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