Groups Sue to Force FDA Decision on Petitions to Ban Phthalates in Food

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, health advocates represented by Earthjustice sued the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in federal court to compel long overdue action on petitions the advocates filed in 2016 asking FDA to ban phthalates in food packaging and processing materials.

Phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals—meaning they interfere with hormone-regulated processes in the body—and are linked to birth defects, infertility, miscarriage, reduced IQ, and attention and behavior disorders in children. Babies and young children, as well as communities of color and economically insecure individuals, face heightened risks of serious health problems from phthalate exposure compared to the general population.