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Contact the Communications Office:
Erin Moffet Director of Strategic Communications (850) 766-7358 Erin.Moffet@FDACS.gov
Caroline Stonecipher Deputy Director of Communications (850) 661-7153 Caroline.Stonecipher@FDACS.gov
Sarasota, Florida-Today, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried announced that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has begun to develop rules to phase out polystyrene in Florida grocery stores, markets, convenience stores, and other regulated businesses Use of the product. Commissioner Freed announced major consumer and environmental policy initiatives at a press conference in Sarasota. Nicole de Venoge, Florida policy manager of the Surfers Foundation, joined in; Hunter, representative of the Oceana oil field in the Gulf Coast region of Florida Miller; and Justin Bloom, founder of Suncoast Waterkeeper. Before the press conference, the beach was cleaned up. Commissioner Fried and a dozen volunteers collected rubbish at the nap beach.
For 100 years, polystyrene food packaging products—such as styrofoam cups, plates, and takeaway boxes—have been inexpensive and widely available. However, studies have shown that the chemicals in polystyrene foam may have health effects such as cancer, vision and hearing loss, birth defects, respiratory tract irritation, liver, kidney, and spleen damage, as well as serious long-lasting environmental and animal health effects.
"Polystyrene may be convenient, but these disposable consumer products pose a hidden danger to public health. The chemicals in polystyrene are not only related to human and animal health problems, but because these petroleum-based products take at least 500 years to decompose , So their negative impact will last a long time after being discarded," Commissioner Fried said. "As Florida’s consumer protection and food safety agency, we have the opportunity to help consumers and companies make positive changes. That’s why I’m pleased to announce that we have begun to develop rules for the 40,000 grocery stores, markets, and convenience stores are phasing out the use of polystyrene food packaging. By increasing demand for cost-effective alternatives, this is a huge opportunity to create Florida jobs in Florida businesses Opportunity to use crops grown in Florida to create next-generation products manufactured in Florida. This vision of phasing out polystyrene until it reaches zero within this decade is a huge change for consumers, health and the environment , Joining the ranks of one-third of the U.S. states taking action on this issue."
"Today, I am very pleased to see that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is working hard to pass rules and begin to phase out polystyrene tableware in grocery and convenience stores across the state. From polystyrene to straws and other garbage regulations, Florida State consumers are concerned about our marine environment. They demand that the rules, products used, and expanded producer responsibilities be transformed as part of our future resiliency and sustainability plan," said Nicole de Venoge, Florida Policy Manager, Surfers Foundation Say. "In fact, we have the obligation and responsibility to seize this opportunity to consider long-term considerations by balancing our economic growth and ecologically sustainable products. Florida has nearly 22 million residents, and we hope that these rules are directed towards the Florida community and the future. Our most precious resource is a step forward in our commitment to protect future generations."
"The Gulf Coast is facing many challenges, but plastic pollution is still a growing threat. Polystyrene is particularly problematic because it breaks down into microplastics at an alarming rate," Oceana, Florida Gulf Coast Representative Hunter Miller Say. "We know that polystyrene is polluting our beaches, the environment, and the ocean, but it is also toxic to humans. With this knowledge, we have seen cities, states, and even entire countries phasing out polystyrene, so I want to thank The Commissioner and FDACS initiated this rule-making change. The time when Floridians no longer have to deal with this polystyrene that pollutes our water and our bodies is over."
"Our economy depends on a healthy environment. Steps like this are bold, creative and urgently needed," said Justin Bloom, founder of Suncoast Waterkeeper. "I think our community and other communities are eager to take such action. We are restricted by what can be said to be polluted and industrial controlled by the legislature, which does not allow the community to accept protective efforts to ban polystyrene. Therefore, thanks for Commissioner Reed, thank you for your leadership and find a way to protect our community."
Background: Expanded polystyrene foam (EPS or polystyrene), commonly known as polystyrene foam, is widely used as a cost-effective food packaging solution. Studies have shown that polystyrene is related to serious health conditions through infiltration of food and beverages, it will never completely disappear from the marine environment [], and it takes at least 500 years to decompose in landfills, where it accounts for garbage 30% of it. Cities in 6 states and 13 states have enacted polystyrene bans to encourage the use of ready-made alternative packaging. Alternative sources of packaging include hemp fiber and bagasse [], both of which are grown in Florida.
Departmental action: The department’s draft rule 5K-4.045 will phase out polystyrene packaging for many years starting from 2022, and the maximum amount of polystyrene that can be sold or distributed each year is decreasing. The draft rule will also require regulated entities to submit an annual report on the amount of polystyrene sold or distributed that year. The department is currently undergoing a rule-making process, including seminars and a public comment period. This rule will be established and enforced through the statutory powers of the department, Chapter 500.90 of the Florida Code of Regulations.
Contact the Communications Office:
Erin Moffet Director of Strategic Communications (850) 766-7358 Erin.Moffet@FDACS.gov
Caroline Stonecipher Deputy Director of Communications (850) 661-7153 Caroline.Stonecipher@FDACS.gov
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