Florida Bill Targets Paper Straws and Stirring Utensils

A new bill in Florida aims to address the use of paper straws and stirrers in restaurants and food establishments. Senate Bill 958 was filed on December 18, and it’s accompanied by a similar House bill, HB 2195, which was introduced a few days later on December 26. These bills seek to limit local governments’ authority to regulate these items.

According to HB 2195, many businesses and communities in Florida are turning to paper straws, suggesting they are a healthier and more environmentally-friendly choice. But, research conducted by independent universities indicates that a significant number of these paper straws might contain harmful PFAS chemicals, linked to various health risks.

The proposed legislation requires that any restrictions on straws be grounded in scientifically-supported policies. A study published in 2023 in the journal Food Additives and Contaminants revealed that nearly 90% of tested paper straw brands had PFAS chemicals. Of the 39 different straws analyzed, 27 tested positive for these chemicals, likely used for water-repellent purposes.

If local governments opt to regulate straws, their regulations will need to ensure that straws are renewable, certified compostable, and marine biodegradable. Should the bill pass, it would take effect immediately, and local entities would have until January 1, 2027, to revise existing straw laws. Notably, the new rules will not apply to hospitals, medical facilities, or pre-packaged beverage containers.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time paper straws have been in the spotlight. In February, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order that halted the use of paper straws by the federal government. In his remarks, he criticized paper straws for being ineffective, posing health risks, and being more costly to produce compared to plastic straws. He pointed out, somewhat humorously, that he found them tedious, expressing frustration over their tendency to dissolve too quickly when used.

Meanwhile, in a related development in New Jersey, a bill has been put forward that would ban on-site dining establishments from providing disposable utensils unless they are specifically asked for by customers. Restaurants would be mandated to offer reusable and washable cutlery instead. Additionally, condiments would not be automatically provided inside restaurants, but takeout customers could request them.