I recently spoke at an event that featured Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy, Jr.

At an Ocean Plastic Leadership Network conference, the Secretary expressed concerns over additives in food and food packaging and announced a high-level plan to address his concerns.

His remarks brought renewed attention to something I’ve long understood:

Plastic food packaging is remarkably advanced. There’s really no better material for keeping food fresh and safe. Think about it:

• Tamper resistant seals tell us if the peanut butter jar’s been opened.
• Transparent plastic wrap lets us see the chicken but keeps out the germs.
• Although we can’t see them, thin plastic liners in cans prevent food and drink from reacting with the metals.

Plastic can be tough or flexible, clear or opaque. It creates barriers to oxygen, extreme temperatures, moisture, microbes, pathogens, critters and dirt (thankfully).

Most importantly, plastic helps prevent food spoilage – cutting waste, saving money and resources. A little bit of plastic packaging can prevent a whole lot of food waste.

And…

All of us want to feel confident that our food – and the packaging around it – is safe. That’s why food packaging is one of the most highly regulated uses of plastic.

We believe current regulations – primarily from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – are rigorous, science-based and effective. And they’re essential for maintaining public trust in the safety of the packaging that stores, delivers and protects our food.

For an in-depth look, FDA explains it here. It’s a rather rigorous system—and one that has served Americans well.

Prior to Secretary Kennedy’s remarks, my colleague Kimberly Wise White and I were able to walk through some of the science on plastic, additives, safety and sustainability. Hopefully it reminded the attendees of the essential role of plastic in our society and economy… and the multiple layers of existing health, safety and environmental regulations designed to protect human health.

Overall, America has one of the most comprehensive, rigorous regulatory systems in the world. America’s plastic makers are held to high standards – federal, state and local – that are designed to protect people and planet. That’s the way it should be. Smart, well-designed regulations are essential for public safety and our nation’s economic prosperity (read my blog on this topic).

In his remarks, Secretary Kennedy called on American companies to address questions about the safety of chemicals in plastic. We look forward to working with the Administration to strengthen the efficacy of – and trust in – regulations that help keep our food and our families safe.