On May 27, 2026, the California Environmental Working Group (EWG) announced that the State Assembly Approved Assembly Bill (AB) 1901, legislation that would require manufacturers of children’s diapers sold, distributed, or manufactured in California to fully disclose diaper ingredients on product packaging and online. The bill passed the Assembly with bipartisan support and was forwarded to the California Senate for further consideration. If enacted, AB 1901 would establish what supporters describe as the first statewide requirement for comprehensive diaper ingredient disclosure. The legislation was introduced in response to concerns regarding the presence of substances such as phthalates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), bleaching agents, dyes, fragrances, and other ingredients that may be present in diaper products. Under the proposal, manufacturers would be required to disclose intentionally added ingredients and their functions online by January 1, 2028, followed by complete ingredient disclosure requirements beginning in 2029. Non-compliant products could no longer be sold in California after the implementation deadlines. The bill is sponsored by a coalition including EWG, Consumer Reports, and Children Now. Supporters of AB 1901 argue that greater transparency would enable parents and caregivers to make more informed purchasing decisions regarding products that come into prolonged contact with infants and toddlers. The measure reflects broader efforts in California to increase ingredient transparency in consumer products and could serve as a model for similar requirements in other jurisdictions if ultimately enacted.
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