US - New York Prohibits the Use of Food Packaging Containing PFAS Chemicals

​This is an act to amend the New York's Environmental Conservation Law, in relation to the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in food packaging.

The bill S 8817 amends section 37-0203 of the State's Environmental Conservation Law by defining the terms "food packaging" and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances" or PFAS substances".

Food packaging means a package or packaging component that is intended for direct food contact and is comprised, in substantial part, of paper, paperboard, or other materials originally derived from plant fibres.

Furthermore, it adds a new section 37-0209 to the Law that prohibits the distribution, sale, and offer for sale in the State of food packaging containing PFAS substances as "intentionally added chemicals", as such term is defined in the Law.

The prohibition shall take effect on December 31, 2022.​