USA - Hawaii Proposed to Strengthen the Prohibition of PFAS in Food Packaging and Cosmetics

​The Hawaiian House of Representatives has passed a bill SB 504 about the prohibition of the manufacture, sale, offer for sale, distribution for sale, and distribution for use of any food packaging, food service ware, cosmetic, or personal care product that contains intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with certain exemptions.

Basically, this is amending Chapter 321 of Hawaii Revised Statutes by adding a new section to part XLVII. Originally, the section prohibits intentionally added PFAS in wraps and liners, plates, food boats and pizza boxes only by the end of 2024. And now, the proposed amendment would further strengthen the restriction covering all food packaging, food service ware, cosmetics and personal care product.

Food service ware means all containers, bowls, bowl lids, clamshells, plates, trays, cups, cup lids, straws, forks, spoons, knives, napkins, utensils, chopsticks, cup sleeves, condiment packets and saucers, stirrers, splash sticks, cocktail sticks, toothpicks, and other like items that are designed for a single use for or alongside prepared foods, including but not limited to service ware for takeout foods or leftovers from partially consumed meals prepared by food vendors.

In the proposal, the effective date is set at December 31, 2026.