No Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging Act of 2026

This bill, titled the "No Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging Act of 2026," amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the use of certain substances in materials that come into contact with food. It specifically deems several classes of chemicals, such as ortho-phthalates and PFAS, along with individual compounds like Bisphenol A and Formaldehyde, as unsafe for food contact.

The legislation requires the Secretary to consider the potential adverse effects on vulnerable populations, including infants, children, and pregnant women, when evaluating the safety of alternative food contact substances. This ensures that new materials are assessed with particular attention to those most susceptible to harm.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a minimum standard for public health protection, explicitly stating that it does not preempt or restrict any state or local laws that are equivalent to or more stringent than its requirements. This provision allows states and localities to implement stronger protections if they choose. The new provisions will take effect two years after the bill's enactment, providing a transition period for industry compliance.