In her Feb. 21 Maine Voices column, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association Executive Director Sarah Alexander castigated the federal government for a lack of action to address PFAS contamination of farms and food. I agree with Ms. Alexander both that the state must do more and that it is long past time for federal action.
But what are the concrete things our federal delegation can do? For starters, they can cosponsor and support the Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act (HR 6026/S.3169). This bipartisan legislation would ban the use of PFAS in food packaging at the federal level.
It’s hard to believe, but PFAS remains prevalent in food packaging to make it water- or grease-resistant, despite safer alternatives being made available (some of which are even made here in Maine).
Maine was actually a leader on this topic, becoming the second state to pass a law that will ultimately restrict PFAS in food packaging (although, unfortunately, the Department of Environmental Protection is failing to implement it promptly). Since Maine’s action, five other states have also moved toward banning PFAS.
The state started paving the way, and it should be simple for our delegation in D.C. to finish the work now.
Kate Manahan
chair, Defend Our Health’s 501(c)(4) board
Kennebunk
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