# Plain Language Summary: Matt Haller EtO Awareness Act

This bill requires food companies to clearly label any food or food additives that have been sterilized using ethylene oxide (EtO) or propylene oxide. Right now, companies can use these chemicals to sterilize certain foods and food ingredients without telling consumers they did so. This bill would make that practice illegal—if a food has been treated with either of these chemicals, the label must say so in a way that's easy to see and read.

Ethylene oxide and propylene oxide are gases used to kill bacteria and other microorganisms on food and spices. They're particularly common in treating imported spices, dried herbs, and certain food additives. While the FDA has determined these chemicals are safe at the levels used in food sterilization, some people want to know when their food has been treated this way. This bill is named after Matt Haller, who was apparently affected by concerns about these chemicals.

The practical effect is straightforward: when you're shopping, if a food or ingredient has been sterilized with EtO or propylene oxide, you'll now be able to see that information on the package. Companies will have one year from when this bill becomes law to update their labels and comply. This gives consumers more information to make their own choices about what they buy, though it doesn't ban the use of these chemicals—it just requires transparency about their use.

Matt Haller EtO Awareness Act

Newman, Marie

Matt Haller EtO Awareness Act This bill requires foods and food additives that have been sterilized with ethylene oxide or propylene oxide to be conspicuously labeled as such.