#United States #Sacramento #California Jobs #Cookware Sustainability Alliance #SB 682

Cookware Sustainability Alliance Urges Governor Newsom to Veto SB 682

SACRAMENTO, Calif., —In a critical period over the next three weeks, California Governor Gavin Newsom will determine the fate of SB 682, a controversial measure aimed at banning a wide array of kitchen products. This bill goes beyond just limiting pots and pans; it casts a wide net, affecting kitchen essentials from cutting boards to commercial restaurant equipment such as refrigerators.

The Cookware Sustainability Alliance (CSA) has come forth vigorously against this legislation, asserting that its implications could be detrimental to both the local economy and the state’s vibrant culinary scene. If passed, SB 682 threatens to upend consumer choice and force Californians to pay significantly more for basic kitchen necessities.

The legislation, originally focused on regulating harmful PFAS chemicals in cookware, has evolved into what CSA labels as a politically driven assault on the cookware industry. Such drastic measures could not only reduce accessibility to reliable kitchen essentials but also risk numerous jobs in California’s food industry.

The CSA explains that California’s culinary landscape is marked by diversity and innovation, from world-famous dining establishments like The French Laundry to vibrant local food trucks. The looming ban could jeopardize thousands of jobs and leave businesses in a lurch, unable to afford the high replacement costs of essential kitchen equipment like grills and refrigerators.

Moreover, the bill’s foundation is seen by the CSA as flawed. It suggests that all PFAS chemicals are hazardous, an assertion that contradicts scientific findings. For decades, respected organizations such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Food Safety Authority have recognized fluoropolymers, a type of PFAS used in non-stick cookware, as safe for food preparation. These substances are inert, non-toxic, and do not pose a risk of bioaccumulation or water solubility, which makes them a reliable choice in kitchenware.

Steve Burns, President of the CSA, addressed the issue directly, stating, “This bill does not tackle the actual health concerns associated with PFAS emissions from their production. For everyday Californians, the consequences would be harsh; we neither need nor deserve higher costs for dining, whether at home or in restaurants.”

Rather than a blanket ban, the CSA calls for collaborative approaches that safeguard consumers while also considering environmental concerns. They urge for solutions driven by thorough scientific evidence instead of grandstanding legislative measures that could wreak havoc on California's kitchens.

To enhance consumer awareness and understanding of safe cookware, the CSA points to its initiatives surrounding PTFEs (polytetrafluoroethylene) and the importance of informed purchasing decisions. For more insights on the topic and to stay updated, consumers can visit protectsafecookware.com.

About Cookware Sustainability Alliance

The Cookware Sustainability Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential information regarding cookware safety. Led by manufacturers in the cookware industry, the CSA aims to help consumers and policymakers make informed choices based on scientific fact over sensationalism.