California is the first to prohibit cancer and behavior-linked additives in sweets.
In a groundbreaking move, California is taking action to ban four common food additives found in popular treats like fruit juices, candy corn, and cookies due to health concerns.
Starting January 1, 2027, those who violate the ban could face fines up to $10,000. This landmark bill, signed this month, aims to eliminate brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propyl paraben, and Red Dye No. 3 from the food supply.
Why These Four Additives Raised Red Flags?
Brominated vegetable oil
Brominated vegetable oil is used in soda and other beverages to preserve the citrus flavoring. However, it can cause short-term irritation to the skin and lining of the nose, mouth, lungs, and stomach. Long-term exposure may lead to neurological symptoms such as headaches, memory loss, impaired balance, and impaired coordination.
Potassium bromate
Potassium bromate is added to dough to improve its strength and texture in baked goods. It has been linked to lung irritation, headaches, irritability, personality problems, kidney damage, and a higher risk of kidney cancer.
Propyl paraben
Propyl paraben is a preservative used to prevent mold and bacteria growth in packaged food. It is commonly found in corn tortillas, baked desserts, and cake icing. However, parabens like propyl paraben are associated with hormone system disruption, poor reproductive health, skin irritation, and an increased risk of cancer.
Red Dye No. 3
Red Dye No. 3 is a synthetic food coloring used to enhance the appearance of candies, baked goods, sodas, and snacks. Some studies have linked exposure to this artificial dye to behavioral problems in children, hyperactivity, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and cancer.
The FDA Hasn’t Reviewed the 4 Chemicals in Decades
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of Assembly Bill 418, known as the California Food Safety Act, is a significant step forward in protecting residents from harmful chemicals in food. Jesse Gabriel, chair of the state Assembly Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection, emphasized the importance of this bill in a press release.
Mr. Gabriel hailed the passage of the bill as significant progress and criticized the U.S. for lagging behind other countries in food safety regulation. California is the first state to ban all four additives, following the lead of the European Union, UK, Canada, Australia, China, and Japan.
“This bill will not eliminate any foods or products. It simply requires food companies to make minor adjustments to their recipes and switch to safer alternative ingredients already used in Europe and many other places around the world,” Mr. Gabriel explained.
Brian Ronholm, the food policy director of Consumer Reports, also a co-sponsor of the bill, commended California for taking a stand and criticized the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its inaction.
“We’ve known for years that the toxic chemicals banned under California’s landmark new law pose serious risks to our health,” he said. “Safer versions of food products available in other countries should be made available to U.S. consumers too,” he added.
According to the press release, the FDA has not reviewed the four banned chemicals for at least 30-50 years. Mr. Ronholm emphasized that by keeping these dangerous chemicals out of food sold in the state, this groundbreaking law will protect Californians and encourage manufacturers to make food safer for everyone.
Petitions Seek Bans on Other Food Chemicals
The EWG has petitioned to ban titanium dioxide, a whitening food additive, and Red Dye No. 3 from all food supplies nationwide. Titanium dioxide has been linked to respiratory issues and has been classified as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
“These petitions offer the FDA a chance to step up to the plate and do its job to protect Americans from toxic food chemicals,” said Scott Faber, EWG’s senior vice president for government affairs. “We urge the FDA to take action on these petitions and protect the health of all consumers across the country,” he added.
The FDA did not respond to a request for comment.
Od additives of concern, while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not reviewed these additives in decades.
The decision to ban these four additives comes as a response to growing health concerns regarding their potential risks. Brominated vegetable oil, for example, is used in sodas and other beverages to preserve the citrus flavoring. However, it can cause short-term irritation to the skin and lining of the nose, mouth, lungs, and stomach. Long-term exposure to this additive may lead to neurological symptoms such as headaches, memory loss, impaired balance, and impaired coordination.
Potassium bromate, on
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