Wal-Mart has announced that its suppliers will now be required to disclose and ultimately end the use of 10 potentially harmful chemicals found in fragrances, cosmetics, household cleaners and personal care products sold at its stores. The company did not disclose which chemicals the new requirements cover, but stated the chemicals were chosen due to their impact and existing alternatives. The company, which plans to work closely with suppliers, will begin monitoring the reduction efforts in January 2014, and suppliers will be expected to start listing their products’ ingredients online starting in January 2015. Three other companies that recently announced the removal of potentially harmful chemicals from their consumer products are Procter & Gamble, which will no longer use phthalates and triclosan; Johnson & Johnson, which last year stated it would remove formaldehyde and parabens from its personal care products; and Kroger, which intends to eliminate 101 chemicals and other ingredients from its Simple Truth product line.

Source: USA Today