California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a groundbreaking law aimed at banning the use of several potentially harmful food additives, making the Golden State the first in the nation to take such decisive action. This landmark legislation, known as the California Food Safety Act (Assembly Bill 418), is designed to enhance consumer protection and promote food safety.
Introduced by Assemblymembers Jesse Gabriel and Buffy Wicks in February, the law strictly prohibits the manufacturing, sale, or distribution of food products in California that contain four specific additives known to raise health concerns. These substances include red dye No. 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propylparaben.
Red dye No. 3, a common ingredient in numerous consumer goods, particularly candies, drinks, and more, is now banned under this legislation. Potassium bromate, which is used in baked goods to enhance dough strength and promote greater rising, is also on the list. Brominated vegetable oil serves as an emulsifier in some beverages, preventing flavor separation, while propylparabens are employed for antimicrobial food preservation.
The ban on these additives is expected to have a wide-reaching impact, as nearly 3,000 products, including popular items like Skittles, Nerds, Trolli gummies, protein shakes, instant rice and potato products, and boxed cake mixes, contain red dye No. 3. The move reflects California’s commitment to prioritize consumer health and safety.
Governor Newsom emphasized the feasibility of the food industry in adapting to different public health regulations, citing the availability of Skittles in the European Union as evidence that the industry can maintain product lines while complying with varying health standards.
This momentous step by California underscores its dedication to safeguarding the well-being of its residents by curbing the use of potentially harmful food additives and setting a precedent for other states to follow suit.
