California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed legislation that would ban the sale of cookware and other products manufactured with “forever chemicals.”

The bill sparked considerable debate, with high-profile celebrity chefs arguing against the ban, while environmental and health activists advocated in favor of it.

“The bill, beginning January 1, 2028, prohibits a person from distributing, selling, or offering for sale a cleaning product, dental floss, juvenile product, food packaging, or ski wax, as specified, that contains intentionally added PFAS. Additionally, this bill, beginning January 1, 2030, prohibits a person from distributing, selling, or offering for sale cookware that contains intentionally added PFAS,” Newsom said in a statement.

“I share the author’s goal to protect human health and the environment by phasing out the use of PFAS in consumer products. However, the broad range of products that would be impacted by this bill would result in a sizable and rapid shift in cooking products available to Californians. I appreciate efforts to protect the health and safety of consumers, and while this bill is well-intentioned, I am deeply concerned about the impact this bill would have on the availability of affordable options in cooking products. I believe we must carefully consider the consequences that may result from a dramatic shift of products on our shelves,” he continued.

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However, proponents of the bill say the veto will result in more exposure to toxic chemicals.

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“By vetoing SB 682, Governor Newsom failed to protect Californians and our drinking water from toxic forever chemicals,” said Anna Reade, director of PFAS advocacy with the Natural Resources Defense Council, in a written statement.

“It’s unfortunate that misinformation and greed by some in the cookware industry tanked this policy,”  Reade added.

Forever chemicals are the nickname of a group of chemicals called PFAS that have been used in a wide variety of everyday products, including those that are nonstick or waterproof.

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The Guardian shared further info:

Concerns over the use of Pfas, chemicals used to make cookware and other items non-stick and water-resistant, have grown significantly in recent years. Called “forever chemicals”, because they do not break down naturally, Pfas are used in non-stick cookware, waterproof mascara and dental floss, among other items.

Pfas have been linked to a number of health issues, with some linked to high cholesterol, reproductive issues and cancer. A United States Geological Survey study in 2023 detected the chemicals in almost half the country’s tap water.

Under the bill approved by California’s legislature, the state by 2030 would have banned the sale or distribution of goods, including cleaning products, cookware, floss, food packaging and ski wax, with “intentionally added” Pfas.

The bill had the support of major environmental groups, as well as opposition from influential figures, such as Ray and Keller, and high-profile chefs who argued it would place an unfair burden on restaurants. Ray argued the focus should be on educating consumers rather than eliminating the products.

 

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