USA - Maine Toxics in Food Packaging Program
In June 2019, Public Law c.277 (Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging, LD 1433) was signed into law adding Chapter 26-B to the already established Act To Protect the Environment and Public Health by Further Reducing Toxic Chemicals in Packaging (32 MRSA §§1731-1747).
This new law includes:
- a chemical listing process for the purposes of assessing the chemicals currently used in food packaging and replacing those chemicals with safer alternatives when they are available.
Furthermore, in addition to the current prohibition on lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium, food packaging, including packaging that contains a food or beverage product, and plastic disposable gloves, sold in the State cannot contain intentionally introduced amounts of phthalates starting from January 1, 2022. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging is also being determined by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to see if there is any safer alternative. If so, DEP shall by rule prohibit the sale of a food package to which PFAS have been intentionally added in any amount greater than an incidental presence. - a list of no more than 10 food contact Chemicals of High Concern (FCCHCs) published by DEP which will help the Department gather information on the current use of those chemical in food packaging. This draft list is available for public comment until March 10, 2021.
- Bisphenol A, bisphenol B, bisphenol S and bisphenol F are listed together as one group of reportable substances. They are commonly used in food packaging plastics.
- 4-octyl phenol is often used as an intermediate in manufacturing processes and is common in plastics which may become food packaging.
- Octamethyl cyclotetrasiloxane (D4) is used in as an intermediate for silicone polymers.
- Toluene is commonly used in the production of polymers and as an ink solvent.
- Styrene is commonly used as a monomer for various types of plastic material
- Benzene is used in plastics, detergents, and dyes
- Methylenedianiline is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of rubber, a curing agent in resin, and as a dye.
- Parabens, including propyl paraben, butyl paraben, methyl paraben and ethyl paraben, are used in food packaging as an antimicrobial
- Benzophenone is commonly used as an additive in plastics coatings, adhesives, as a curing agent in ink, a flavour ingredient in foods, and UV light blocking agent for packaging materials.
- Nonylphenol (NP) is used as a stabilizer and intermediary in plastics production
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Maine Toxics in Food Packaging Program