July 17, 2025
Mr. Merkley (for himself and Mr. Scott of Florida) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to conduct a study, and submit to Congress a report, on the human health impacts of exposure to microplastics in food and water.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Microplastics Safety Act
.
Sec. 2. FDA study and report on human health impacts of exposure to microplastics in food and water
(a) Study
The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (in this section referred to as the Secretary
), shall conduct a study on the human health impacts of exposure to microplastics in food and water. The study shall—
(1)
identify the major pathways of human exposure to microplastics;
(2)
address the impact of such exposure on—
(A)
children’s health;
(B)
the endocrine system;
(C)
cancer;
(D)
chronic illness; and
(E)
reproductive health; and
(3)
address such other areas of importance as the Secretary determines appropriate.
(b) Report
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that describes—
(1)
the findings and conclusions of the study under subsection (a); and
(2)
recommendations for legislative or administrative action to address the human health impacts of exposure to microplastics in food and water.