Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an inquiry into the potential use of harmful chemicals in the production of children’s underwear by Fruit of the Loom and Hanes. Paxton, without alleging any misconduct, issued investigative demands to Fruit of the Loom, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, and Hanes, owned by Gildan Activewear, citing concerns over the impact of these chemicals on children’s well-being. While Fruit of the Loom and Berkshire Hathaway have not responded to Reuters’ requests for comment, Gildan has affirmed its cooperation with the investigation, emphasizing its adherence to stringent manufacturing and sourcing standards to align with industry guidelines on harmful substances.
Gildan’s statement to Reuters reiterated its commitment to delivering safe and high-quality products to consumers. Last year, Gildan merged with HanesBrands Inc. in a $2.2 billion deal. Paxton highlighted the shift towards synthetic materials like polyester, rayon, and spandex in clothing production to meet consumer demands for more affordable items. He raised concerns about synthetic fabrics shedding microplastics and the potential health risks associated with chemicals such as bisphenols, fluorine, parabens, phthalates, and “forever chemicals” commonly used in textile manufacturing, including PFAS.
Paxton emphasized the necessity of safeguarding children from exposure to toxic substances, stating that parents rely on products free from harmful chemicals to protect their children’s health. The Attorney General previously launched a similar investigation into Lululemon Athletica’s activewear for the presence of “forever chemicals.” Paxton, a Republican, is currently running for a U.S. Senate seat against Democrat James Talarico, trailing in most polls, making this race one of the closely watched contests in the upcoming Nov. 3 midterm elections.