NJ Is Looking Into A Ban On Chewing Gum

Well, bye-bye bubble gum. The fruity, minty, and sometimes spicy "snack" may soon be a thing of the past if a bill that was recently introduced by lawmakers in New Jersey passes.

Now, before we all get too up in arms, let's break down exactly what lawmakers are pushing for. Because I, too, read this bill really quickly and just assumed the government was trying to meddle in what I do and do not eat.

The Protecting Against Microplastics Act Was Introduced In NJ

The bill that's been introduced is called the "Protecting Against Microplastics Act," and it aims to limit or ban foods, such as chewing gum, and products that allow microplastics to seep into your body when you use them.

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What Are Microplastics?

A microplastic is exactly what it sounds like: tiny bits of plastic that, through manufacturing, end up in food or other products that can then get into our bodies and cause damage over time.

What Exactly Does The Protecting Against Microplastics Act Aim to Ban?

According to NJ.com, the bill does take aim at products like chewing gum and even tea bags, which can release microplastics into your body in the first few minutes of use.

The bill wouldn't outright ban these products at first, though; there'd be a ramp-down period.

A Warning Sign Would Have To Be Put On Products That Release Microplastics

Manufacturers of chewing gum, some teas, and even some food storage containers would have to put a warning label on their products stating that they may contain microplastics that could get into your body.

After the two-year warning period, the products would have to be removed from shelves in Jersey, and companies would have to cease making/selling those products.

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What If A Company Doesn't Comply, And Continues To Make And Sell Gum?

New Jersey's answer for everything: fines.

Fines in the bill for companies that don't comply range from $1,000 to $25,000, and for each day companies don't pay/comply, the fines can increase or change.

Is A Bubble Gum Ban Really Needed In NJ?

This is just a personal opinion, but this ban doesn't really bother me too much. If it goes through, I don't like chewing gum, I don't really drink tea, and the idea of microplastics being in my food and body give mt the heebie-jeebies.

That being said, that's a very short-sighted view. Gum is helpful for people who try to focus or are trying to quit smoking. So, kind of like the plastic bag ban and the ban on plastic cutlery, it kind of seems like another thing Jersey is trying to do just to do it.