Like cookie dough, PFAS labeling is sticky

When not testifying during the legislative session, Andrea Lovoll bakes artisan cookies for her small business, Bebe's Treats, named after her daughter Phoebe. This session MCEA's Legislative Director did both - combining her love of protecting the environment of Minnesota and making delicious baked goods. They're both a work of the heart, as she says.

On Monday March 6th, Lovoll testified in front of the House Commerce Committee. She passed out beautifully decorated cardamom cookies, cut in the shape of Minnesota and painted with loon on a lake. In a dare reminiscent of Erin Brockovich, she invited legislators to try the cookies, but with a caveat.

"I can guarantee you that the cookies in front of you are organic and delicious, and that I follow all food-safety guidelines outlined in cottage food law. I can even guarantee you that my products are allergen free if you request it," Lovoll testified.  

But she can’t guarantee that they are PFAS free. “Because I don’t know if PFAS is in my sheet pans, my parchment paper, my cookie cutters, my mixing bowls, my KitchenAid mixer, my oven, my rolling pin, my food-safe paint brushes or the wrapping I purchased to keep them fresh,” Lovoll explains.

There's been a lot of talk about how a PFAS ban will affect big businesses. But not knowing what products have PFAS in them affects consumers now. These chemicals are directly linked to cancer and other health impacts. Without bills like HF1000, demanding public disclosure of PFAS, we are all unwittingly buying products with these toxic chemicals in them. 

Lovoll's cookies are definitely a treat, but are they safe? No one can know until legislation is passed that labels what products contain toxic PFAS forever chemicals.

Contact your legislator to tell them you want to know what products carry PFAS.