WASHINGTON – The Environmental Working Group today applauded President Joe Biden for nominating Dr. Robert Califf to be the next commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.
Califf previously served as FDA chief in the last year of the Obama administration, when he was instrumental in pushing the agency to address toxic chemicals in a number of consumer products.
The following is a statement from EWG’s Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Scott Faber:
EWG applauds President Biden for nominating Robert Califf as the next commissioner for the Food and Drug Administration. During his previous tenure as the head of FDA, Dr. Califf demonstrated his understanding of the risks that toxic chemicals in personal products, sunscreens and food packaging pose to our health.
We urge Dr. Califf, if confirmed by the Senate, to immediately ban the use of the ‘forever chemicals’ known as PFAS in food packaging and cosmetics, set tough standards for toxic metals in baby food, quickly ban the use of formaldehyde in hair-straightening products, require companies to test their talc-based cosmetics for asbestos, and expedite the agency’s review of chemicals like oxybenzone in sunscreens.
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The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
