FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT
Erika Wilhelm | 415.539.5005 | Breast Cancer Prevention Partners
The No Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging Act would ban PFAS, BPA, benzene, formaldehyde, and dozens of other carcinogens from the packaging and materials that touch food Americans eat every day
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the No Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging Act of 2026, legislation that would prohibit the use of numerous cancer-causing chemicals in food packaging and food processing materials. American families are exposed to these toxic chemicals every time they eat packaged food— this legislation would change that.
The bill would remove a range of carcinogenic substances from food-contact uses, including asbestos, benzene, formaldehyde, ethylene oxide, methylene chloride, styrene, and classes of chemicals such as Forever PFAS chemicals, bisphenols (such as BPA), and phthalates. It would also help prevent the replacement of banned chemicals with similarly hazardous substitutes by directing the Food and Drug Administration to consider impacts on vulnerable populations when reviewing alternatives. The bill also preserves states’ authority to enact stronger protections.
Every day, families try to make healthy choices about the food they eat. Yet many are unaware that chemicals linked to cancer and other serious health harms can be present in the packaging and equipment used to process and serve food.
Congress addressed this issue almost 70 years ago through the Delaney Clause, which prohibits the FDA from approving chemicals for use in food packaging that “induce cancer” in humans or animals. Nevertheless, numerous carcinogens remain authorized for use in food-contact materials. The No Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging Act would finally remove the most toxic chemicals from food packaging, fulfilling the promise Congress first made in 1958 and applying the commonsense principle that chemicals known to cause cancer should not be permitted in materials that come into contact with our food.
“Every time you unwrap a sandwich or heat up leftovers, you shouldn’t have to worry that the packaging is leaching cancer-causing chemicals into your food,” said Nancy Buermeyer, Director of Program and Policy at Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. “This legislation recognizes a simple truth: chemicals linked to cancer have no place in food packaging. By removing these dangerous substances from materials that touch the food we eat every day, Congress can reduce unnecessary exposures and help prevent cancer, including breast cancer, before it starts.”
“Consumers should be able to trust that the food they put on their tables is safe. Yet harmful chemicals linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and other serious health risks continue to be used in food packaging, exposing Americans to unnecessary dangers. These toxic substances have no place anywhere near our food,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “This crucial legislation would finally ban some of the most hazardous chemicals used in food packaging and food processing materials. We must act now to protect public health, strengthen consumer safety, and ensure that the American people, not corporate interests, come first.”
“Our measure keeps cancer-causing toxics like PFAS and asbestos out of food packaging and processing materials,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal. “Toxic chemicals linked to breast cancer and hormone disruption should be nowhere near our food. By banning these substances from food packaging, our legislation will give consumers peace of mind that the products in their pantries and fridges are not a risk to their health.”
“No one should have to worry about cancer-causing chemicals in their food, yet food packaging used every day contains notorious toxics such as methylene chloride, asbestos, formaldehyde and TCE. For decades, the FDA has neglected its responsibility to enforce the legal ban on the use of carcinogens in food,” said Joanna Slaney, Vice President for Political and Government Affairs at Environmental Defense Fund. “We applaud Rep. Schakowsky, Rep. DeLauro and Sen. Blumenthal for introducing the No Toxics in Food Packaging Act to get these harmful chemicals out of our food supply for good.”
Peer-reviewed research has shown that many of the chemicals covered by the legislation can migrate from packaging and processing materials into food and they have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, reproductive harm, immune system effects, and other serious health concerns.
Recent analysis by the Environmental Defense Fund found that FDA allows 25 known or probable carcinogens in U.S. food products — leaving Americans exposed to chemicals it has the legal authority to ban today. For decades, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners has worked to reduce exposure to environmental chemicals linked to breast cancer. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime, yet fewer than 10% of breast cancer cases are due to family history, highlighting the importance of addressing preventable environmental exposures. By eliminating known carcinogens from food-contact materials, the No Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging Act represents an important step toward protecting public health and preventing cancer now and for future generations.
Chemicals Covered by the Legislation Include:
Known or Probable Human Carcinogens
- Asbestos
- Benzene
- Formaldehyde
- Ethylene oxide
- Methylene chloride
- Chloroform
- 1,4-Dioxane
- Acrylamide
- Acrolein
- Trichloroethylene
- Chlorinated paraffins
- BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
- Styrene
Classes of Chemicals
About Breast Cancer Prevention Partners
Breast Cancer Prevention Partners is the leading national science-based policy and advocacy organization working to prevent breast cancer by eliminating toxic chemicals and other environmental exposures linked to the disease. www.bcpp.org
