U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) on July 6 cosponsored two bipartisan bills that aim to remove toxic forever chemicals from both food containers and cosmetics.
Known as PFAS, perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances are a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals used since the 1950s to make products resistant to heat, stains, water, and grease. Because they do not easily break down, they accumulate in the environment and the human body.
“Since entering Congress, I have worked with affected families, local leaders, scientists, and advocates to force action on PFAS — and that fight has made one thing clear: we cannot wait for contamination to spread before we act,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the Bipartisan PFAS Task Force.
The congressman introduced both the Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act of 2026, H.R. 9593, and the No PFAS in Cosmetics Act, H.R. 9594, alongside U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), also a PFAS Task Force co-chair and the sponsor of both measures.
“We have pushed for stronger drinking water protections, faster cleanup, greater transparency, and real accountability. Now we are taking the next step by cutting off unnecessary exposure at the source,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “Americans should be able to trust the products in their homes and the packaging around their food, and I will keep leading this fight until every community has the clean water, safe products, and accountability it deserves.”
If enacted, H.R. 9593 would prohibit intentionally added PFAS in food packaging, including wrappers and containers designed to resist grease, water, and oil.
“Every day, families bring home takeout containers, wrappers, and food packaging that can contain intentionally added PFAS — putting toxic forever chemicals far too close to the food we eat,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “This bill takes these chemicals out of the equation by setting a clear national standard and stopping avoidable exposure at the source.”
Rep. Dingell noted that several states have already passed laws banning PFAS in food packaging. “Now we need strong federal legislation to ensure hazardous chemicals are not allowed near the food we eat,” she added.
The lawmakers also proposed H.R. 9594, which would require the Food and Drug Administration to ban the intentional use of PFAS in cosmetic products within 270 days of the bill’s enactment.
“When dangerous substances can be removed from consumer products, there is no excuse for inaction,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “The No PFAS in Cosmetics Act is a clear, bipartisan step to protect families, strengthen consumer trust, and put public health first.”
Both bills, which are supported by Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, have been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.