New Prop 65 Claims Target Receipt Paper

Retail businesses in California are facing a new trend in consumer protection lawsuits and threats. Since 2023, California has classified certain chemicals in thermal receipt paper as hazardous and subject to Proposition 65 warnings. These chemicals are known as bisphenol S and bisphenol A, or BPS and BPA. They are common ingredients in thermal paper, and exposure to them is alleged to cause reproductive harm.

Starting in December 2024, any person who wants to bring a lawsuit against a business that is exposing the public (or its own employees) to BPS or BPA without warning them is required to provide a written warning and 60 days' notice. That notice period allows the retailer who receives the warning letter to settle the claim before a lawsuit is filed. According to some reports, these claims are often settled for about $20,000.