New York Lawmakers Ban ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Food Packaging

New York state is poised to ban food containers containing PFAS, a group of so-called forever chemicals that have been linked to cancer, under legislation headed to Gov. Andrew Cuomo for his approval.

The state Legislature on Thursday approved a measure (S.8817/A.4739) that would prohibit the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in packaging that comes in direct contact with food.

• The chemicals are persistent in the environment and in human bodies, and have been linked to hormone disruptions, certain cancers and other medical conditions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
• The state Senate passed the ...