A sweeping new federal bill introduced in Congress aims to eliminate hazardous chemicals from food packaging materials, targeting substances that can migrate into the food we eat every day. The No Toxics in Food Packaging Act of 2026, introduced by Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Representatives Jan Schakowsky of Illinois and Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, represents one of the most significant federal efforts to regulate toxic chemicals in food-contact materials. If enacted, the legislation could reshape how manufacturers design packaging and fundamentally change what chemicals are allowed near our food.

Which Chemicals Are Being Targeted by the New Bill?

The proposed legislation focuses on three major classes of chemicals that have drawn increasing scrutiny from researchers and public health advocates:

• PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): Often called "forever chemicals" because they break down extremely slowly in the environment and accumulate in the human body over time, PFAS are widely used in fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and other food packaging products. Studies have linked certain PFAS compounds to immune system effects, hormone disruption, developmental problems, and increased cancer risks.
• Phthalates: These chemicals make plastics more flexible and are commonly found in food packaging. Research has associated phthalates with endocrine disruption (interference with hormones), reproductive health concerns, and developmental issues. They can migrate from packaging into food, particularly fatty foods.
• Bisphenols: This category includes BPA and related compounds that have been the subject of extensive scientific debate due to concerns about their impact on hormone function and human development. Many manufacturers have already moved away from BPA, but critics note that replacement chemicals may pose similar risks.

Beyond these three major chemical classes, the bill also targets individual substances including formaldehyde, benzene, chloroform, acrylamide, methylene chloride, asbestos, and styrene polymers.

How Do These Chemicals End Up in Our Food?

Food packaging is often viewed primarily as a protective barrier, yet many consumers are unaware that packaging materials contain chemical additives designed to improve durability, flexibility, heat resistance, moisture control, or grease resistance. Scientists have increasingly studied how these substances can migrate from packaging into food during manufacturing, transportation, storage, or cooking. Heat, fat content, and storage duration all influence the amount of chemical migration that occurs.

Public health advocates argue that even low levels of repeated exposure may be significant over a lifetime, particularly for vulnerable populations such as infants, children, pregnant women, and individuals with existing health conditions. The proposed legislation specifically emphasizes the need to consider these populations when evaluating chemical safety.

Why Is Federal Action Needed Now?

One reason the legislation has gained attention is criticism of the current regulatory framework governing food-contact materials in the United States. Under existing law, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates substances used in food packaging and other food-contact materials. However, many chemicals were approved decades ago, and critics argue that scientific understanding of chemical risks has evolved significantly since those approvals were granted.

Advocacy organizations and some researchers contend that the FDA does not consistently re-evaluate older approvals in light of new scientific findings. As a result, chemicals that may present health concerns today can remain authorized for use because they were approved under earlier standards. The No Toxics in Food Packaging Act seeks to address these concerns by explicitly designating certain substances as unsafe for food-contact applications.

How to Reduce Your Exposure to Packaging Chemicals

• Choose Glass or Stainless Steel: When storing food at home, opt for glass containers or stainless steel alternatives instead of plastic, which can leach chemicals, particularly when heated or used with fatty foods.
• Avoid Heating Plastic: Never microwave food in plastic containers or wrap, as heat accelerates chemical migration from packaging into food. Transfer food to glass or ceramic dishes before reheating.
• Limit Single-Use Packaging: Reduce reliance on takeout containers, microwave popcorn bags, and fast-food wrappers, which often contain PFAS and other problematic chemicals. Bring reusable containers when ordering food.
• Check Labels for Certifications: Look for packaging labeled as "BPA-free" or "PFAS-free," though be aware that replacement chemicals may carry similar concerns. Prioritize products with minimal packaging overall.

What Changes Could This Bill Bring to the Food Industry?

If passed, the No Toxics in Food Packaging Act could have substantial implications for packaging manufacturers, food producers, retailers, and suppliers. Companies may need to reformulate packaging materials, identify safer chemical alternatives, conduct additional testing and compliance assessments, update supply chain documentation, and invest in new packaging technologies.

While these changes could increase short-term costs, many industry observers believe the legislation may also accelerate innovation in sustainable and safer packaging solutions. Alternative coatings, fiber-based packaging, water-based barriers, and other emerging technologies are already gaining traction as companies prepare for tighter regulations worldwide.

Regulatory pressure is only part of the story. Consumer awareness of chemical exposure has grown substantially over the past decade. Many shoppers now seek products marketed as BPA-free, PFAS-free, or free from other potentially harmful substances. Food brands increasingly recognize that packaging safety can influence purchasing decisions and brand trust.

Is the U.S. Falling Behind on Packaging Safety?

The United States is not alone in addressing food packaging chemicals. The European Union has adopted increasingly strict rules regarding PFAS and other potentially harmful substances in food-contact materials. New EU regulations will significantly limit PFAS in food-contact packaging beginning in August 2026, making Europe one of the most aggressive regulatory jurisdictions in this area.

These developments suggest a broader global shift toward safer food packaging materials. Manufacturers that operate internationally may find themselves adapting to stricter requirements regardless of whether similar federal regulations are adopted in the United States. Additionally, several U.S. states have already enacted laws targeting PFAS in food packaging, reflecting growing concern about environmental contamination and human exposure.

The No Toxics in Food Packaging Act represents a critical moment for food safety policy in America. Whether it passes or not, the momentum toward eliminating harmful chemicals from packaging is accelerating, driven by scientific evidence, consumer demand, and regulatory action at the state and international levels.