California Bill Proposes Ban on Certain Food Items Containing Toxic Chemicals. Skittles may go?

California Bill Proposes Ban on Certain Food Items Containing Toxic Chemicals

A new bill introduced in California could ban the sale of certain food items containing chemicals that the legislation's supporters say are toxic and dangerous. The proposed bill, AB 418, aims to stop the manufacturing, selling, or distributing of foods that contain Red Dye No. 3, Titanium Dioxide, Potassium Bromate, Brominated Vegetable Oil, or Propyl Paraben.

Assemblymembers Jesse Gabriel and Buffy Wicks introduced the bill, citing significant health problems caused by these chemicals, such as an increased risk of cancer, damage to the immune system, and behavioral issues in children. The chemicals are commonly found in popular food and drink items, including Skittles, Hot Tamales candy, and Dubble Bubble Twist Gum.

While many Californians may not recognize these chemicals by name, they can be found in everyday foods, such as cupcakes, trail mix, and ice cream, according to Label Insights. Propylparaben can be found in caramel chocolate. Assemblymember Gabriel's office stated in a news release that "Californians shouldn't have to worry that the food they buy in their neighborhood grocery store might be full of dangerous additives or toxic chemicals."

One of the concerning issues addressed by the bill is the lack of federal oversight on many of these chemicals, which have entered the nation's food supply through a loophole in federal law known as GRAS, or "generally recognized as safe." This loophole was intended to apply to common household ingredients like vinegar, but instead, chemical companies have added new substances to the food supply with almost no meaningful federal oversight.

Many of the chemicals that would be banned have never been independently reviewed by the FDA or re-evaluated in decades, according to Gabriel. The bill seeks to correct this lack of oversight and ensure that the food supply is safe for consumers.

AB-418 has been double referred, which means it will be heard in the Assembly's Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee (ESTM) first. If passed, it will then head to the Assembly's Health Committee. As of now, no hearing date has been set for the first committee.

Assemblymember Jim Wood, who chairs the Health Committee, declined to comment on the bill before a hearing, stating that he would voice his recommendation once the bill came before the committee and testimony was completed. If the bill passes both houses of the state legislature and is signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, California will become the first state to have such a law.

In conclusion, AB 418 proposes a ban on certain food items containing toxic chemicals that could cause significant health problems. The bill seeks to correct for a concerning lack of federal oversight and help protect the public health and safety of the food supply. If the bill passes, it could set an important precedent for other states to follow in protecting their citizens' health and safety.