Entries by aneumann

CPSC Publishes Request for Information Regarding PFAS in Consumer Products

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On September 20, 2023, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published a request for information (RFI) in the Federal Register for information on PFAS in consumer products. The RFI requests information from all stakeholders, including “consumers, manufacturers and importers, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and researchers.” The requested information falls into three categories: Use or potential […]

EPA Proposes SNURs for Flame Retardants

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EPA has proposed significant new use rules (SNURs) for three flame retardants under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The three flame retardants are tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), and triphenyl phosphate (TPP).  All three substances are currently undergoing TSCA risk evaluations.  The proposed significant new uses are manufacture (including import) or processing for […]

Clothing Accessories Companies Penalized for False Made in USA Claims

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In August 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) finalized a complaint and order against Chaucer Accessories, Inc. and two other companies owned by Thomas P. Bates for falsely labeling belts, shoes, and other products as “Made in the USA” (MUSA). The order includes a monetary judgment of $191,481. According to FTC, the New England-based companies […]

Colgate Faces False Advertisement Suit Over Recyclable Claims

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A class action lawsuit has been filed in a California federal court against the Colgate-Palmolive Company (“Colgate”), alleging the company falsely advertises its Colgate and Tom’s of Maine branded toothpaste tubes as recyclable. The complaint alleges that Colgate’s claims are a violation of the Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides, which prohibits a product from being […]

PFAS Class Action Brought Against Sports Drink Company

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A consumer class action lawsuit has been filed against Biosteel Sports Nutrition, Inc. in the Eastern District of New York, alleging that the company’s BioSteel Blue Raspberry flavored sports drink contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”). Defendant’s products are marketed as healthy sports drinks, using language such as “clean, quality ingredients,” “designed with sustainability in […]

EPA Requests Information on Addressing PFAS in the Environment for the Superfund Program

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EPA has published a notice of proposed rulemaking, Addressing PFAS in the Environment, asking for public input, which the Agency will use to develop future per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) regulations under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The Agency asked for information on the potential future hazardous substance designation of a […]

EPA Releases Draft IRIS Assessment of PFHxS and Related Salts

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On July 24, 2023, EPA released a draft IRIS Toxicological Review of Perfluorohexanesulfonic Acid (PFHxS) and Related Salts.  Comments on the draft assessment will be accepted through September 22, 2023. The IRIS assessment found that, given sufficient exposure conditions, PFHxS is likely to cause thyroid and developmental immune effects in humans.  Other evidence suggests but […]

Better Business Bureau Challenge Results in Clarifying Disclosure in Antimicrobial Toilet Seat Advertising

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In response to a challenge initiated by Bemis Manufacturing Company, the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs has ruled that Ginsey Industries, Inc. needs to include additional clarifying language to validate the assertions made about the antimicrobial safeguards offered by its Clorox Antimicrobial range of toilet seats. (NAD did not find any issues […]

Audit Finds EPA’s New Chemicals Program Lacks Sufficient Guidance

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On August 2, 2023, EPA’s Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) released a report on its audit of EPA’s New Chemicals Program. The audit identified recordkeeping and quality assurance issues with the program as administered by EPA’s New Chemicals Division (“NCD”). The audit, which began in October 2021, was conducted in response to several internal complaints […]

FDA Reaffirms Softening Chemicals are Okay for Food Packaging

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FDA recently denied a citizen petition requesting that the Agency prohibit the use of eight ortho-phthalates and revoke prior sanctioned uses for five additional ortho-phthalates in food packaging. Ortho-phthalates are used to soften plastics. They can be found in plastic film wrap on foods, cap gaskets used on the metal lids of glass jars, beverage […]