Ohio PFAS Bill (HB 272 — PURE LIFE Act): What Food Businesses Should Know

Ohio HB 272 (PURE LIFE Act): An Overview

Ohio House Bill 272, known as the PURE LIFE Act (Protecting Us from Risky Exposures and Limiting the Impact of Forever-chemicals on the Environment), is a proposed bill introduced in the 136th Ohio General Assembly (2025–2026 session). If enacted, the bill would prohibit the sale of products containing intentionally added PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) across several product categories — including food packaging — beginning in 2027.

For food businesses operating in Ohio, the PURE LIFE Act is worth monitoring even in its proposed state. If enacted, it would make Ohio one of a growing number of states restricting PFAS in food-contact materials. For context on the broader national landscape, see our complete guide to PFAS food packaging bans in 2026.

Regulation Details

Broader Scope: Not Just Food Packaging

Unlike many state PFAS bills that focus exclusively on food packaging, the PURE LIFE Act proposes a broader approach. The bill would prohibit intentionally added PFAS in four distinct product categories:

• Food packaging — containers, wraps, bags, plates, bowls, and other materials used to package or serve food
• Cookware — pots, pans, baking sheets, and other cooking surfaces that may contain PFAS-based nonstick coatings
• Dental floss — some dental floss products use PTFE (a PFAS compound) as a coating to help the floss glide between teeth
• Juvenile products — products designed for use by infants and children, such as car seats, strollers, and similar items that may contain PFAS in stain-resistant or water-resistant treatments

This multi-category approach reflects a growing legislative trend toward addressing PFAS exposure holistically rather than targeting individual product types one at a time. For food businesses, the inclusion of cookware alongside food packaging means that restaurants and commercial kitchens may need to evaluate both their packaging supplies and their cooking equipment if the bill becomes law.

What Food Packaging Would Be Covered

The food packaging provisions of HB 272 would apply broadly to food packaging sold or distributed in Ohio. Based on the bill's language, the following types of food packaging would likely fall within its scope:

• Takeout containers and clamshells
• Paper and molded fiber plates and bowls
• Paper bags and wrappers
• Pizza boxes
• Microwave popcorn bags
• Fast food wrappers and liners
• Paper cups and lids
• Any other food-contact packaging materials

The bill targets intentionally added PFAS rather than setting a specific numeric threshold (such as parts per million of total organic fluorine). This means that packaging manufactured with PFAS-based grease-resistance or moisture-barrier treatments would be prohibited, while trace-level contamination from environmental sources would not necessarily trigger a violation. However, the precise enforcement mechanism and any de minimis thresholds would depend on the final text of the bill if it advances.

Current Legislative Status

As of February 2026, HB 272 has been introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives as part of the 136th General Assembly (2025–2026 session). The bill has not yet received a committee hearing or vote.

Key points about the bill's status:

• The bill was introduced and referred to committee, but has not advanced to a floor vote.
• Ohio's legislative session runs through 2026, so the bill could still be considered during the current session.
• If the bill does not pass during the current General Assembly, it would need to be reintroduced in the next session (2027–2028).
• Amendments are possible at any stage, and the final version of the bill — if it passes — may differ from the introduced text.

What This Would Mean for Ohio Food Businesses

If HB 272 is enacted, food businesses operating in Ohio — restaurants, food trucks, catering companies, and packaged food brands — would need to ensure that their food packaging does not contain intentionally added PFAS by the bill's proposed effective date of 2027. The practical implications would include:

• Packaging audits. Businesses would need to review their current food packaging inventory to identify any products that may contain PFAS, particularly paper- and fiber-based items treated with grease-resistant coatings.
• Supplier verification. Businesses would need to request documentation from their packaging suppliers confirming that products are free of intentionally added PFAS.
• Cookware review. Because the bill also covers cookware, restaurants and commercial kitchens might need to evaluate their pots, pans, and baking equipment for PFAS-based nonstick coatings.
• Supply chain planning. Depending on timing, food businesses may need to identify and transition to PFAS-free packaging alternatives, which could affect costs and lead times.

It is worth noting that regardless of whether HB 272 passes, the broader trend of PFAS regulation in the United States continues to accelerate. Over a dozen states have already enacted PFAS food packaging bans, and federal action may follow. Businesses that proactively transition to PFAS-free packaging may be better positioned to comply with future regulations regardless of which specific laws are enacted.

How to Prepare

Even though HB 272 is not yet law, food businesses in Ohio can take several practical steps to prepare for potential PFAS restrictions:

1. Monitor the bill's progress. Track HB 272 through the Ohio General Assembly website. Committee hearings, votes, and amendments will signal whether the bill is likely to advance.
2. Audit your current packaging. Take stock of the food packaging your business uses today. Identify paper, fiber, and molded-pulp items that are most likely to contain PFAS-based treatments. Our guide to checking packaging for PFAS can help you get started.
3. Talk to your suppliers. Ask your current packaging suppliers whether their products contain intentionally added PFAS. Request Certificates of Analysis (COAs) or written declarations of PFAS-free status. Suppliers who already serve customers in states with enacted bans may already have this documentation available.
4. Evaluate PFAS-free alternatives. Research alternative packaging products that do not rely on PFAS for grease or moisture resistance. Many suppliers now offer PFAS-free options at competitive prices. See our PFAS-free packaging cost guide for information on pricing and availability.
5. Consider multi-state compliance. If your business operates in or ships products to other states that have already enacted PFAS food packaging bans, you may already need to comply with similar requirements. Aligning your packaging practices across all states can simplify compliance and reduce risk.
6. Document your efforts. Keep records of supplier communications, COAs, and any packaging changes you make. This documentation will be valuable if the bill passes and enforcement begins, and it demonstrates due diligence regardless of the legislative outcome.