As of recent, California is now the first state ever to ban four widely used chemicals that are in food.
Details of the Chemical Ban
On Saturday, the Golden State’s Governor, Gavin Newsom, signed a new legislation banning these four chemicals from food. Red dye, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propylparaben. These four chemicals are often in popular candies, soft drinks, and other food products.
The bill, also known as the California Food Safety Act, was presented by Assemblymembers Jesse Gabriel and Buffy Wicks in February of this year. The purpose of this ban is to forbid the production, vending, or distribution of any food products that contain these four ingredients. People may be wondering, why? What’s the reasoning behind the banning of these ingredients? Well, the answer is simple, these chemicals have a terrible effect on the human body.
Some comment on Governor Newsom’s move, saying that this new law is slightly making the United States food environment similar to the European Union’s. The EU bans these chemicals due to research proving that they pose as a harm to human body. From the reproductive system to the immune system, these ingredients cause overall damage.
More About These Chemicals
As some may or may not know, these four additives are almost in every single food we consume. For example, red dye is an ingredient in approximately 3,000 products including some of our favorite candies, such as Nerds, or pantry items like boxed cake mix, instant potatoes, and rice. Red dye, scientifically known as erythrosine, is a carcinogen, according to scientists. It also has a connection to hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral effects in children. Even though this dye has been banned for 30 years in makeup, it’s still being put in our food.
Furthermore, potassium bromates is used to help the dough rise faster and improve the texture and volume of baked goods. Brominated vegetable oil’s (BVO) purpose is to prevent the citrus flavoring in drinks from floating to the top. Now the main ingredient in these two additives is bromine. Consistent consumption of bromine leads to irritation of the skin and mucous membranes of the lungs, nose, mouth, and stomach. It also attributes to neurologic symptoms such as headaches, memory loss, and impaired balance/coordination. Propylparabens, the chemical for antimicrobial food preservation, tend to have to same effects in regard to skin irritation.
Hope for Good
Not only with this bill being put into legislation will help with the overall health of residents. This will also make history as previously mentioned, California is the first state in the United States to ban these food additives. Hopefully, this will set a precedent for other states to follow suit and improve the health of U.S. citizens nationwide.
Nevertheless, these chemicals are still in our foods. Simply because of the fact that the FDA has a loophole in their Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. This loophole is the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) rule, where it enables companies to use the chemicals in an amount that the FDA sees as safe for use or consumption. There’s also been some pushback. “Newsom’s approval of this bill will undermine consumer confidence and create confusion around food safety” says the National Confectioners Association in a statement. Consumer Reports, although particularly agreeing with the ban, says “It is unlikely manufacturers will produce two versions of their product – one to be sold in California and one for the rest.”
When to Expect This to Happen
However, there is no need to worry. The bill will officially be in practice in 2027, with Governor Newsom saying that this should be enough time for companies to revise and create a new formula for their products. Even Just Born Inc., the company that produces the famous easter candy Peeps, is actively looking for other dye options.
In the meantime, stock up on your favorite snacks and candy or if you want to avoid these toxins, you can check the ingredients list on the back of the product.
Written by Saniya Fields
Sources
CNN – California becomes first US state to ban 4 potentially harmful chemicals in food by Chris Boyette, Kristen Rogers, and Andi Babineau
Food Safety – FDA is Petitioned to Ban Red Dye 3 in Food Based on Harmful Health Effects, Children’s Exposure by Food Safety Magazine
ABC 7 – CA becomes first state to ban 4 chemicals used in popular candies, other foods & drinks by ABC 7
Fortune – California bans ‘toxic chemicals in our food supply’, including an ingredient in marshmallow Peeps linked to cancer by The Associated Press
Top and featured image Courtesy of Thomas Hawk’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset image Courtesy of MDV’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
