New Jersey: A5452

Bill Summary

New Jersey's "Protecting Against Microplastics Act" would require manufacturers of cleaning, cosmetic, foodware, and potentially ingestible products sold in the state to disclose on the product label any intentionally added microplastics, or the potential to generate secondary microplastics, beginning one year after the act takes effect. After two years, stricter rules apply: labels must carry the statement "This product contains microplastics" in English and Spanish, the statement must also appear on online product listings, and manufacturers may not claim a product is microplastic-free if microplastics were intentionally added. After three years, the state would ban the sale of cleaning, cosmetic, and potentially ingestible products that contain intentionally added microplastics or could generate secondary microplastics, with an exception for technically unavoidable trace amounts. The Division of Consumer Affairs would enforce the act through audits and civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day of violation. The bill also directs the Department of Environmental Protection to run a source reduction program and conduct statewide microplastics monitoring and research, and it appropriates $3 million for implementation.

Why It Matters to MAHA

MAHA supports this bill because it delivers on the pledge to remove toxic ingredients from our food supply and require honest labeling that puts America's families first. Clear microplastics labeling lets consumers make informed decisions about the products they eat, drink from, and apply to their bodies. Studies have detected microplastics in human blood, organs, and tissue, and the long-term health effects are still not fully understood, which makes reducing exposure a sensible, prevention-first measure. The bill gives manufacturers three years to reformulate before the ban takes effect, and it exempts unavoidable trace amounts, so it targets intentionally added plastics rather than penalizing companies for contamination beyond their control. It also funds ongoing state research and monitoring, giving the public better data on a growing health concern.