SF 4208

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 03/10/2026 09:19 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to commerce; banning the intentional use of ortho-phthalates in packaged
food; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 325F.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [325F.183] ORTHO-PHTHALATES IN FOOD PACKAGING.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Food manufacturer" means a person who manufactures a packaged food product
or whose brand name is affixed to a packaged food product. With respect to a packaged
food product that is imported into the United States, food manufacturer includes the importer
or first domestic distributor of the product if the person who manufactured or assembled
the product or whose brand name is affixed to the packaged food product does not have a
presence in the United States.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Food package" means a container applied to or providing a means of marketing,
protecting, handling, delivering, serving, containing, or storing a food or beverage. Food
package includes a unit package, an intermediate package, and a shipping container.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Intentionally added" means that a chemical that serves an intended function in the
packaging component is added to a product.
new text end

new text begin (e) "Ortho-phthalates" means substances that are esters of phthalic acid.
new text end

new text begin (f) "Packaging component" means an individually assembled part of a package, including
interior or exterior blocking, bracing, cushioning, weatherproofing, exterior strapping,
coatings, closures, inks, and labels, or disposable gloves used in commercial or institutional
food service.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Prohibition. new text end

new text begin A food manufacturer, supplier, or distributor must not manufacture,
sell, offer for sale, distribute for sale, or distribute for use a food package that includes inks,
dyes, pigments, adhesives, stabilizers, coatings, plasticizers, or any other additives to which
ortho-phthalates have been intentionally added and are present in any amount.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Enforcement. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency may enforce
this section under sections 115.071 and 116.072. The commissioner must coordinate with
the commissioners of health and commerce to enforce this section. Upon a request by the
commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency, a person must provide the commissioner
information that the person may have or may reasonably obtain that is relevant to show
compliance with this section.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective one year following final enactment.
new text end