FDA Misses Own Deadline To Propose A Ban On Formaldehyde In Hair Products

"The Food and Drug Administration has missed its own deadline to propose a ban on the use of formaldehyde as an ingredient in hair relaxers and hair straighteners on the market in the United States.

The federal agency proposed the ban in October 2023 and scheduled its implementation for April 2024. The FDA's proposed rule takes a large step in raising awareness about the potential harm that formaldehyde — a highly toxic gas — can cause to the many Black women who typically use straightening products.

It is unclear at this time why the FDA's proposed rule was not released by its intended deadline, which raises concerns about the federal agency's commitment to protecting public health."

Jonathan Franklin reports for NPR May 9, 2024.