The problem recently came to light when the state Board of Environmental Protection was unable to include toddler food packaging in a plan to phase out the hormone disrupting chemical bisphenol-A.
In an effort to close what some say is a loophole in Maine’s Kid-Safe Products Act, lawmakers have introduced a bill that would include most food packaging under the act.
The problem recently came to light when the state Board of Environmental Protection was unable to include toddler food packaging in a plan to phase out the hormone disrupting chemical bisphenol-A – or BPA – from certain products. Senate Majority Leader Seth Goodall of Richmond is the bill’s chief sponsor.
“This is an issue that we have to address today, because whether your child is young, an infant, or older we should make sure that we remove dangerous chemicals such as BPA, and others, from all the products that can impact their learning, impact their behavior and their growth,” Goodall said.
The legislation would also identify which products contain 49 chemicals of high concern identified last year as part of the Kids-Safe Products Act, and sets priorities to have those chemicals removed from household products.
Last week the BEP voted to replace BPA in infant formula and baby food packaging with safer alternatives.
This story was reported and written by Ed Morin and Susan Sharon.
