Latest news with #SCJohnson
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Ingredient linked to cancer and dementia found in popular Ziploc bags used by over 200m Americans
Ziploc, the popular brand of food bags and containers used by over 200million Americans, is now at the center of a troubling health controversy. A class-action lawsuit filed in California accuses the product's manufacturers of misleading consumers about the safety of its microwave-safe bags and containers. The complaint alleges that the plastic in Ziploc products may release harmful microplastics, potentially exposing millions to toxins over time. Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and reproductive problems. These particles can enter our food, water, and even the air as plastic products break down. The 51-page lawsuit claims that Ziploc bags and containers, marketed as 'microwave safe' and suitable for freezer use, fail to warn consumers that the products may release microplastics when used as intended. The complaint specifically mentions Ziploc Freezer Bags, Slider Freezer Bags, Slider Storage Bags, and Ziploc Containers. 'The "microwave safe" and "freezer" labels create a false sense of security,' the lawsuit states. 'The company omits crucial information that these products release microplastics when microwaved or frozen as directed.' has contacted SC Johnson for comment. The lawsuit argues that this omission isn't just misleading, but it means the products fail at their basic purpose. 'The products fail to provide a reliable method for food storage and preparation without exposing users to material risk,' the complaint states. Filed by California resident Linda Cheslow, the suit claims that the containers labeled 'microwave safe' and 'freezer' are made from polyethylene and polypropylene. Polyethylene and polypropylene are common types of plastic that can break down into microplastics, and both are used in food packaging. 'Scientific and medical evidence shows these materials release microplastics when microwaved or frozen - making them fundamentally unsafe for those uses,' the lawsuit claims. 'Because of the defendant's false claims, people have unknowingly exposed themselves and their families to harmful microplastics during everyday kitchen activities.' The lawsuit accuses SC Johnson of violating consumer trust by marketing food-safe containers while hiding known health risks. 'The company exploits consumer expectations by failing to disclose that its products release microplastics into food when microwaved or frozen,' the complaint adds. It also claims that Ziploc bags labeled 'microwave safe' can release up to 4.22million microplastic and 2.11billion nanoplastic particles per square centimeter of plastic within just three minutes of microwave heating. The 'freezer' label, the suit says, misleads consumers into thinking the products are safe for low-temperature food storage without risk. The complaint further cites studies showing a 50 per cent increase in microplastics found in brain samples from 2016 to 2024, suggesting these particles accumulate in the body over time. Polypropylene microplastics were also found in bone marrow, indicating they can penetrate deep into human tissues. Scientists found that human brain samples contained between seven and 30 times more microplastics than livers or kidneys, with higher levels reported in individuals with dementia. Both liver and brain samples from 2024 showed significantly more microplastics than those from 2016. SC Johnson responded with a statement denying the allegations: 'We believe Ziploc products are safe when used as directed and that these claims are without merit.' Rubbermaid, another major brand named in related concerns, is also facing criticism as toxicologists highlight issues with heat-related plastic breakdown and chemical leakage. In the lawsuit against SC Johnson, the plaintiff argues that the class should include all consumers nationwide who purchased the products within the statute of limitations. The complaint requests that the last four years be used to define this period for California consumers. Plastic food containers have long been popular in American homes because they are affordable, convenient, and durable. However, public opinion is shifting as more research links plastic exposure to serious health risks. Class members who join the lawsuit are eligible to receive an equal share of any settlement. There is growing pressure on the Food and Drug Administration to update its standards for microwave-safe labeling. Critics say current regulations are outdated and don't adequately address long-term chemical exposure or how these products are actually used.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ziploc Is Facing A New Lawsuit Related To Potential Microplastic Exposure. Should You Toss Yours?
Microplastics have been in the news quite a bit in recent months after several studies pointed to potential links to health risks. In April, a new class action lawsuit claims that Ziploc bags and containers contain undisclosed microplastics that can harm consumers. A spokesperson from SC Johnson says that "Ziploc products are safe when used as directed and that the lawsuit is without merit." Ziploc bags and containers have been such a presence in Americans' lives for decades that most people don't even think twice about using them. But a new class action lawsuit is raising a lot of questions about the safety of this food storage staple. The lawsuit, which was filed on April 25 by California resident Linda Cheslow and shared by About Lawsuits, alleges that Ziploc bags and containers contain undisclosed microplastics that can harm consumers, and that marketing them as "microwave safe" and suitable for "freezer" use is misleading, since they're made from "materials that scientific and medical evidence shows release microplastics when microwaved and frozen." A spokesperson for SC Johnson says that the company believes "Ziploc products are safe when used as directed and that the lawsuit is without merit. Microplastics have unfortunately become pervasive in our environment — in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe, and they come from many sources. For families concerned about these issues, we share the concern and have been working for years to raise awareness, push for global plastic regulation, and invest in smarter solutions." In case you're not familiar with them, microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that have become pervasive in the environment, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. They have also been detected in human and animal tissue. Microplastics have, unfortunately, been linked to a slew of potential health issues lately, including heart disease and dementia, making this lawsuit a hot topic. Here's what the lawsuit claims, plus what toxicologists want you to keep in mind. Meet the experts: Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, a toxicologist at MedStar Health; Jamie Alan, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University The lawsuit is filed against Ziploc maker S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. It's a class-action lawsuit, which means it was filed on behalf of anyone around the country who has bought Ziploc bags and products. The suit alleges that some Ziploc products are marketed as microwave- or freezer-safe but release microplastics when they're microwaved or frozen. This makes them 'fundamentally unfit' for what they're advertised for, the lawsuit claims. The lawsuit says that the company's claims are 'unfair, unlawful, deceptive, and misleading' for consumers. SC Johnson, on the other hand, has told Women's Health its products are safe when used as directed. The suit specifically flags these products, but notes that these aren't the only ones that may contain microplastics: Ziploc Freezer Bags Pint/Small Ziploc Freezer Bags Quart/Medium Ziploc Freezer Bags Gallon/Large Ziploc Slider Freezer Bags Quart/Medium Ziploc Slider Freezer Gallon/Large Bags Ziploc Slider Storage Bags Quart/Medium Ziploc Slider Storage Bags Gallon/Large Ziploc Container S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. did not respond to Women's Health's request for comment by deadline. The company says online that its bags and 'Endurables' line are made without BPA or phthalates, but doesn't elaborate on what they're actually made of. The lawsuit claims that Ziploc bags and containers are made with polyethylene and polypropylene, both of which have been linked to the release of microplastics when they're microwaved or frozen. Microplastics and their potential health risks have been all over the news lately, so it's understandable to have questions about the ways you might come into contact with them, and how that might impact your health. Jamie Alan, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, says that it would 'logical to believe that all plastic products come with some level of personal and environmental risk." Scientists are still trying to parse the potential impact of microplastics on health but, as previously mentioned, there is some research linking these particles to dementia and heart disease. Microplastics have also been linked to oxidative stress, or an an imbalance of unstable molecules called free radicals in the body and not enough antioxidants to get rid of them. Long-term oxidative stress has been tied to the development of chronic inflammation, cancer, and other diseases. Still, 'we aren't totally sure what the long-term consequences of exposure to microplastics is,' Alan says. 'It is important to remember that it is likely the cumulative exposure to microplastics that will determine the long-term impact,' she adds. Overall, Alan recommends minimizing your use of plastic containers when you can. 'There are other bag alternatives, like wax paper bags,' she says. 'Glass or metal containers would also be an option.' Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, a toxicologist at MedStar Health also suggests being aware of your plastic use—and avoiding heat when you use plastic containers. "It is nearly impossible to entirely avoid exposure to microplastics in our daily lives, but reducing our use of single-use plastic products may be beneficial for the environment as well as human health," she says. "Avoid reheating food in plastic containers when possible." You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ziploc hit with class-action lawsuit for allegedly misleading claims: 'Leading consumers to believe they are … without risk'
The maker of Ziploc bags has been hit with a class-action lawsuit after a consumer alleged that two of the brand's primary selling points — that the bags are "suitable" or "safe" to use in the freezer and microwave — were misleading and placed people at elevated risk of exposure to microplastics. According to About Lawsuits, complainant Linda Cheslow filed suit against Ziploc maker S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. in California on April 25. As a class-action lawsuit, the filing also names "all others similarly situated" — i.e., people who use Ziploc bags — as co-plaintiffs. Ziploc bags already have at least one environment-related strike against them, as they are typically a single-use plastic item. On top of that, the lawsuit maintains that the brand's parent company engaged in a "material omission" when labeling Ziploc bags "microwave safe" and "suitable for freezer use." The suit contends that "in reality," Ziploc bags and containers are made with polyethylene and polypropylene — two manufacturing materials, the filing indicates, that "scientific and medical evidence shows release microplastics when microwaved and frozen." As such, Ziploc bags are alleged to be "fundamentally unfit for microwave and freezer use" despite their labeling, which has been "leading consumers to believe they are fit to be microwaved and frozen without risk of microplastics leaching into their food." Consumers may have "unwittingly exposed themselves and their families to undisclosed microplastics during routine kitchen practices," per the filing. As the suit explains, microplastics are "small plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter," a byproduct of larger plastic items breaking down. Research into the impact of microplastics on human health is ongoing, but they've been linked to cognitive and behavioral issues, reproductive complications, and cancer. As the Ziploc lawsuit asserts, even consumers doing their best to avoid exposure to microplastics can be lulled into a "false sense of security" by purportedly misleading labels. While researchers readily admit we don't fully understand the scope of the risks microplastics pose, one urged consumers and lawmakers "to act before we have all the answers." When it comes to food storage, a particularly direct source of exposure to microplastics, a home chef had a brilliant solution that removes plastic from the equation, keeps containers out of landfills, and is stunningly economical: washing and reusing glass jar packaging. Using less plastic overall is one of the best ways to limit your exposure to microplastics and save money on single-use goods while keeping plastic out of landfills. Do you ever put plastic containers in your microwave? No way Sometimes Yes I don't have a microwave Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
These Wisconsinites just landed on the latest Forbes' list of the richest people in the world
Multiple Wisconsin billionaires just landed on Forbes' newest list of the richest people in the world. Across the U.S. there are a record 902 billionaires. China and India, respectively, are the countries that are home to the the second and third most billionaires worldwide. Topping the list is billionaire Elon Musk, who's net worth totals $342 billion. Wisconsin billionaires John Menard Jr. and Diane Hendricks again landed on this year's list, which is a snapshot of the richest people globally as of April 2025. Here's a breakdown of the report. Diane Hendricks chairs ABC Supply, one of the largest wholesale distributors of roofing, siding and windows across the country. Hendricks has a real-time net worth of $21.9 billion, up from $20.9 billion in 2024, according to Forbes. Hendricks, who spoke during the Republican National Convention as an "everyday American," started the company in 1982 with her husband Ken, who died in 2007. ABC Supply has 702 locations across North American, according to its website. The richest person in Wisconsin is John Menard, who owns the home improvement retailer Menards, which brings in an estimated $13 billion in sales from more than 340 stores. His real-time net worth dipped slightly from 2024 from $25.2 billion to $22.9 billion in 2025, according to Forbes. Menard started his business in 1958, which was 20 years before Home Depot was founded, according to Forbes. An Eau Claire resident, Menard has also been involved in IndyCar racing since the 1980s, sponsoring the winning car at the 2019 Indy 500. Judy Faulkner is the founder and CEO of the medical-record software provider Epic Systems, which supports the medical records of over 250 million patients, according to Forbes. Faulkner has a net worth of $7.7 billion, up from $7.4 billion in 2024, according to Forbes. In 2015, Faulkner signed the Giving Pledge, agreeing to eventually give 99% of her assets to a private charitable foundation. Helen Johnson-Leipold is an heir to family-owned SC Johnson, a cleaning products company. She is also the chairman and CEO of Johnson Outdoors, which sells outdoor gear. According to Forbes, she has a net worth of $4.7 billion, down from $5 billion last year. Johnson-Leipold and her siblings pledged $150 million to Cornell in 2017 to fund the SC Johnson College of Business. H. Fisk Johnson III is the chairman and CEO of SC Johnson. He is the fifth generation of the Johnson family to head the company. S.C. Johnson has $11.3 billion in estimated revenues for products such as Windex, Off! and Pledge, according to Forbes. Fisk and his siblings are all shareholders of SC Johnson. S. Curtis Johnson is a great-great-grandson of Samuel Curtis Johnson, who founded the company. In 2014, S. Curtis Johnson was sentenced to four months in jail after pleading guilty to misdemeanor sexual assault. RELATED: These Wisconsin families landed on Forbes' list of the richest families in America Elon Musk: $340.4 billion net worth Jeff Bezos: $206.9 billion net worth Mark Zuckerberg: $199.3 billion net worth Larry Ellison: $175 billion net worth Warren Buffett: $165.9 billion net worth Bernard Arnault & family: $162 billion net worth Larry Page: $129.3 billion net worth Sergey Brin: $123.9 billion net worth Amancio Ortega: $115.4 billion net worth Steve Ballmer: $114.1 billion net worth RELATED: Elon Musk proclaims 'the entire destiny of humanity' rests on Wisconsin Supreme Court election This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Who are the richest people in Wisconsin? John Menard, Diane Hendricks
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
SC Johnson kick-starts campaign to curb littering — meet Zuzu the hermit crab
It's no secret our oceans are drowning in plastic. That's where Zuzu — a small hermit crab with an outsized mission to make a difference — comes in. SC Johnson announced it's teamed up with Conservation International, EarthEcho International, and Plastic Bank on a campaign starring Zuzu, a determined, animated hermit crab who embarks on a journey to recycle a bottle abandoned on his beach. The campaign aims to rally public support for better plastic management systems and push businesses to take greater responsibility for their waste. Even celebrities like Orlando Bloom, Nina Dobrev, and Dylan Efron are using their platforms to help spread the word, according to the press release. "Ocean conservation has always been close to my heart, and the reality is that our planet can't wait," said Dobrev. "Every piece of plastic we keep out of the ocean makes a difference, but we need businesses to step up and do more… Let's turn awareness into action and make recycling actually work." According to data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature cited by Deutsche Welle, 14 million tons of plastic enters marine environments yearly. To make matters worse, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development found only 9% of consumer plastics actually get recycled (no matter our efforts). The gap between awareness and action is striking. As part of the campaign, SC Johnson surveyed more than 3,000 U.S. adults, revealing the disconnect many feel about plastic pollution. While 83% expressed concern about the crisis, only 28% felt they understood how to help effectively. Even more telling, just two in five Americans believed their recycling efforts made a meaningful difference, while 86% agreed businesses should be taking greater responsibility. This aligns with growing support for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies, which would make manufacturers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products. In British Columbia, where EPR has been implemented, recycling rates for packaging materials have soared past 75%, according to a study by The Recycling Partnership. If a similar program were implemented in the U.S., it would be projected to boost residential recycling rates by as much as 48%. Should companies be required to help recycle their own products? Definitely No way It depends on the product They should get tax breaks instead Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. For consumers looking to take action, Zuzu's campaign offers practical solutions through its website, where visitors can sign a petition supporting stronger legislation on plastic waste, learn waste reduction tips, and follow Zuzu's journey on social media. Beyond corporate efforts, everyday choices matter too: ditching single-use plastics, opting for refillable products, and backing policies that strengthen recycling systems all add up. Small swaps, like carrying a reusable water bottle or shopping from brands committed to sustainability, can create real change. Because when it comes to plastic pollution, we need action — not just awareness. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
