CHICAGO, U.S. — Robert Donohue, Canteen Corporation and Chair of CAVC’s Government Affairs committee, joined Sandy Larson, NAMA’s Senior Director of State Affairs, testifying recently at a hearing in Sacramento regarding California’s Prop 65.
Prop 65, requiring warnings on products containing chemicals believed by the state of California to cause cancer or reproductive harm, includes acrylamide which is found in roasted coffee beans and beverages brewed from them.
For the last several years, NAMA has worked alongside CAVC and California lobbyists on issues related to Prop 65 effecting both California operators and manufacturers. Most recently, this included the requirement that Prop 65 warnings be placed on coffee sold in California including vending, office coffee and micro markets.
In June, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazzard Assessment (OEHHA) proposed adding a section to Prop 65 that states that drinking coffee does not pose a significant cancer risk, despite the presence of acrylamide and which will effectively exempt coffee from Prop 65’s warning requirements.
Donohue testified that the convenience services industry supports OEHHA’s proposed change.
According to Donohue, “Prop 65 threatens California’s convenience services industry at large, whose vendors bring coffee – as well as tea, water, fresh food and more – to employers and employees throughout the state. Prop 65 would negatively impact the industry which employs thousands of individuals in the state and brings in billions of dollars in revenue to California.”
NAMA continues to encourage members to file comments in support of the proposed rule change. To submit comments, click here. The comment period ends August 30th and a ruling by OEHHA is expected after that date.
