Healthy PA Legislative Package Gains Momentum After Testimony, Press Event, Says Mihalek

May 15, 2025

HARRISBURG – The Consumer Protection Committee of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives held a hearing this week on the eight bills included in the Healthy PA legislative package. State Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny/Washington), author of the package, along with several other lawmakers held a press conference following the testimony. 

“We must demand scrutiny beyond the assurances of industry that what we are eating is safe,” Mihalek said. “When the seller and scientist are one and the same, how can the average consumer differentiate between marketing and science.

“The time has come to clean up our food supply. For too long, we have been bombarded with chemicals, dyes andinferior artificial ingredients only to suffer serious health consequences from ingesting the foods that are readily available to us. Since the federal government has failed to protect us, we have a duty to act in the state legislature to protect the people of Pennsylvania. We cannot afford to wait.”

The Environmental Working Group, Rodale Institute, Michael J. Fox foundation, Kellyn Foundation and Unleaded Kids provided supporting testifiers who laid out the case for each of the bills in the package. Opposition testimony came from the International Association of Color Manufacturers, the National Confectioners Association and the PA Chamber, who are in favor of the status quo regarding food safety. 

During the press event, Mihalek unveiled the “Trillion Dollar Tree.” Mihalek stated, “Think of our collective health like a tree, with chronic diseases for branches and at the root of that tree we have metabolic dysfunction. Toxic chemicals from our food are constantly attacking the root. We spend $5 trillion every year treating the branches and absolutely nothing fighting back against what is attacking our roots. It’s time to change that.

“I am so grateful to the 40 bipartisan co-sponsors for their advocacy on this issue,” continued Mihalek. “Together we will create a path forward for the Pennsylvania consumer.”

In addition to the hearing and press event, advocates were on hand in the Capitol educating other lawmakers on the importance of these bills. 

Consumer Protection Committee hearing.

Healthy PA Press Conference.