Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated a probe into whether Fruit of the Loom and Hanes utilize harmful substances in the manufacturing of children’s undergarments. Paxton issued inquiries to Fruit of the Loom, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, and Hanes, owned by Gildan Activewear, expressing concerns about the potential health impact of these chemicals on children. While no allegations have been made against the companies, Paxton emphasizes the importance of safeguarding children’s well-being.
In response to the investigation, Gildan, based in Montreal, has affirmed its cooperation and adherence to stringent manufacturing and sourcing protocols to align with industry standards regarding harmful substances. Gildan, which merged with HanesBrands Inc. for $2.2 billion last year, reiterated its commitment to delivering safe and high-quality products for consumers.
Paxton highlighted the shift towards synthetic materials like polyester, rayon, and spandex by clothing manufacturers to meet market demands for affordable products. Research indicates that synthetic fabrics may release microplastics, while chemicals such as bisphenols, fluorine, parabens, phthalates, and “forever chemicals” utilized in textile production have been linked to various health issues, including cancer and hormone disruption.
The term “forever chemicals” refers to PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Paxton stressed the need to protect children from potential harm, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring that essential items for children are free from toxic elements.
This investigation follows a similar inquiry in April by Paxton into whether Lululemon Athletica, a Vancouver-based activewear company, contains “forever chemicals” that are environmentally persistent. Paxton, a Republican, is vying for a U.S. Senate seat against Democrat James Talarico and is currently trailing in most polls. The upcoming election on November 3 is closely monitored as one of the key races in the country.