Illinois HB2516 amends the PFAS Reduction Act to ban the sale of seven categories of products containing intentionally added PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) beginning January 1, 2026: cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, juvenile products, menstrual products, intimate apparel, and food packaging or food contact products. The bill defines each product category with specificity, establishes civil penalties of up to $5,000 for first violations and $10,000 for subsequent violations, and requires the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to report on fluoropolymer regulations and science by August 1, 2027. Enforcement authority rests with the Illinois Attorney General and county State's Attorneys. The bill became effective immediately upon signature on August 15, 2025.

Why It Matters to MAHA

MAHA strongly supports this bill because it removes a class of persistent synthetic chemicals from food contact materials and consumer products, directly protecting consumers from exposure to substances linked to bioaccumulation and potential health effects. PFAS chemicals are intentionally added to products for water and stain resistance but do not break down in the environment or human bodies, creating indefinite exposure pathways. By restricting these chemicals in food packaging and food contact products specifically, HB2516 reduces contamination of the food supply and aligns with the MAHA principle of transparency and consumer protection through elimination of non-essential chemical additives. This ban reflects growing scientific consensus that PFAS pose unacceptable risks and supports patient autonomy by giving Illinois consumers access to PFAS-free alternatives. The carve-out for a fluoropolymer study maintains space for legitimate industrial uses while protecting vulnerable populations through restrictions on juvenile products and food contact items.