SGS is advising stakeholders that the US state of Rhode Island is the latest jurisdiction to ban per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging.
S2044 Substitute A/H7438 Substitute A was signed into law on June 29, 2022, by the state governor and amends Sections 23-18.13-2, 23-18.13-3 and 23-18.13-4 of the state’s Toxic Packaging Reduction Act under Chapter 23-18.13. The provisions come into effective on January 1, 2024.
Stakeholders should remember the state already restricts lead, cadmium, mercury and chromium (VI) in packaging and packaging components to no more than 100 ppm (sum of four metals).
Definitions in the law:
- PFAS – all members of the class of fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom
- Food packaging – any package or packaging component that is applied to, or in direct contact with, any food or beverage
Under the terms of the law, substitutes intended to replace a regulated chemical, but which create a hazard as great as or greater than the original chemical, are also prohibited.
SGS Food Contact Material Services
SGS’s technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Food Contact Material Services.
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For further information contact:
Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420
Email: crs.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail
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