Bill would ban certain bisphenols and phthalates from food packaging

Assemblymember Sharp‑Collins presented AB 11 48, the Safer Food Packaging Act, which would ban two classes of chemicals commonly used in food packaging — certain phthalates and bisphenols — citing evidence that these endocrine‑disrupting chemicals are widely present in people and are linked to cancer and other health harms. The author framed the bill as preventive public‑health action that would align California with recent actions taken in other jurisdictions.

Jessica Trowbridge, a UC Berkeley‑trained environmental health researcher and breast cancer survivor, told the committee that more than 90% of people carry bisphenol A and nearly 100% carry orthophthalates and summarized animal and epidemiologic research linking the chemicals to cancer, developmental harm and metabolic disease. Breast Cancer Prevention Partners and allied advocacy groups urged adoption. Industry groups, including the American Chemistry Council and bottling and packaging trade associations, argued that the Department of Toxic Substances Control has existing authority to assess and regulate food‑contact chemistries and recommended DTSC review and rulemaking rather than a statutory ban.

The committee framed the discussion as balancing preventive action and regulatory process; the author and some opponents said amendments and further conversations were ongoing. No vote was taken due to lack of quorum.