California Considers Amending Prop 65 for Food at Retail

The state of California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is responsible for implementing The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly referred to as Proposition 65. The act requires that businesses give the public a “clear and reasonable” warning of exposure to chemicals that the state says causes cancer or reproductive toxicity.

The OEHHA is considering amending the law to include specific options for the method and content of warning labels for retail food products. The act currently makes little mention of food products at retail, but consumer groups have asked the state for more guidance, according to the agency.

OEHHA is requesting input from stakeholders and the public regarding the Proposition 65 amendment. The agency is looking for ideas on ways to inform the public about exposure to chemicals in a retail setting, including package labels, in-store signage, warning centers or information kiosks in the store, print media warnings or Web-based information.

OEHHA will hold a public meeting March 14 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Sierra Hearing Room at the Cal/EPA Headquarters Building in Sacramento. Written comments may also be submitted by March 28 to Fran Kammerer, staff counsel, OEHHA, 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95812 or by e-mail at [email protected].