NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation on Thursday to officially ban the use of "forever chemicals" from pizza boxes and other food containers.
The new law bans the use of per-and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) in food packaging after studies linked the dangerous and indestructible chemicals to increased cancer risk, kidney disease and weakened immune systems, among other illnesses.
Companies found violating the law will be subject to a $10,000 first-time fine with additional violations reaching up to a $25,000 penalty.
Sen. Brad Hoylman, who sponsored the bill notes that PFAS chemicals, which are found in pizza boxes and fast-food containers from restaurants like Wendy's and McDonald's, are called "forever chemicals" because they're "practically indestructible."
"I'm thrilled to see these dangerous chemicals banned in food packaging and the public health — especially that of our children — protected as a result," Hoylman said in a statement.
Any level of these chemicals are unsafe, the Environmental Protection Agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said.
"When we buy food from the grocery store or takeout from a restaurant, we assume that product is safe for our families," said Assembly member Pat Fahy, who also sponsored the legislation. "PFAS -- a dangerous and cancer-causing class of chemicals commonly used in everyday food packaging -- however, is anything but safe for New Yorkers."
Lawmakers did not announce when the ban will take effect.
