FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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PCPC Statement on the Passing of Peter Barton Hutt, “Father of Modern Food and Drug Law”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) deeply mourns the passing of Peter Barton Hutt, a towering figure in food, drug, and cosmetic law.
For nearly 60 years, Peter devoted his extraordinary intellect, judgment, and energy to protecting and advancing the interests of the cosmetics and personal care products industry. His impact on PCPC was profound and, in many ways, immeasurable. So much of what PCPC is today—and so many of the institutions through which we serve our members—bear his imprint.
Widely recognized as the “Father of Modern Food and Drug Law,” Peter built an extraordinary career in public service and private practice. As Chief Counsel of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), he helped establish foundational policies that continue to shape the cosmetics industry. In private practice, at his beloved Covington & Burling law firm where he spent his entire career, he provided trusted, steady, and exceptionally wise legal counsel to cosmetic companies for the better part of six decades. Generations of industry leaders turned to Peter not simply because he knew the law, but because they trusted his judgment.
Moreover, Peter’s contribution to PCPC went far beyond his legal expertise. He was instrumental in creating some of the association’s most enduring institutions, including the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) and the Look Good Feel Better charitable foundation. He was a familiar and valued presence at the Legal Executive Committee and Board meetings, where his deep knowledge, practical insight, and memorable anecdotes enriched countless discussions. His annual reflections on developments in FDA and cosmetics law were a highlight of PCPC’s Legal & Regulatory Conference and a source of learning and inspiration for many in the industry.
“Peter’s impact on PCPC is difficult to overstate,” said Thomas Myers, President & CEO of the Personal Care Products Council. “He didn’t simply advise this association; he helped build it. His fingerprints are on so much of what we do, and his influence can be felt throughout our organization, our institutions, and the industry we represent. For nearly 60 years, he gave this association his wisdom, judgment, passion, and friendship. We are all beneficiaries of his extraordinary legacy. His absence will be deeply felt at PCPC and throughout the cosmetics and personal care products community.”
PCPC extends its deepest condolences to Peter’s family, friends, colleagues, and the many people whose lives he touched. We are profoundly grateful for the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.
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