California Becomes First State to Ban Four Additives in Food

California Takes Lead in Banning Four Harmful Food Additives

Calif. first state to ban 4 additives in food

By Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 11, 2023 (HealthDay News) – California, the trailblazer state, has just dropped a bombshell on the food industry. It has become the first state to ban four insidious chemicals that have long plagued our food. But don’t worry, this isn’t a covert operation; it’s a bold move to protect our health and well-being.

The banned additives are red dye No. 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propylparaben. You might be wondering, “What’s the big deal?” Well, these chemicals are not only approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but they’re also illegal in the European Union and various other parts of the world. Talk about a red flag!

Governor Gavin Newsom, the superhero of this story, recognized the urgency of the situation and signed the law. He boldly stated, “The additives addressed in this bill are already banned in various other countries… Signing this into law is a positive step forward on these four food additives until the United States Food and Drug Administration [FDA] reviews and establishes national updated safety levels for these additives.”

Assembly member Jesse Gabriel and Assembly member Buffy Wicks, both champions of public health, spearheaded this legislation. Gabriel reassured us that our beloved foods, from orange soda to hamburger rolls and candies, will still be available, just without those pesky chemicals. He cheekily mentioned, “We have incredible confidence that consumers are still going to be able to enjoy all the products that we know and love here in the United States, just without those harmful chemicals.”

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But when will this ban take effect, you ask? Not until 2027. Yes, we have to wait, but fret not! This gives brands enough time to revise their recipes and set new safety standards for these additives. It’s like waiting for the curtains to rise on a thrilling performance – anticipation, suspense, and the promise of a better, healthier future.

Some doubting Thomases argue that the FDA should have taken the lead in this crusade for food safety. The Environmental Working Group, a research and advocacy health organization, predicts that manufacturers will swap out these ingredients nationwide for up to 12,000 products. So let’s hope that this sprinkling of change in California will inspire a domino effect across the nation.

These four additives might seem inconspicuous, but they come with a price. Red dye adds a pop of color to our foods, but it’s also been associated with behavioral problems in children. Potassium bromate helps bread rise higher, but it’s been linked to cancer in lab animals. Brominated vegetable oil keeps our citrus drinks homogeneous, but it messes with our endocrine system. Lastly, propylparaben, the preservative, has been causing reproductive issues in animals. It’s like playing a game of Russian roulette with our health.

Naturally, not everyone is thrilled about these breakthrough regulations. The National Confectioners Association, the candy makers’ trade association, raised its voice against the ban. They claimed that Governor Newsom’s approval would create confusion and undermine consumer confidence regarding food safety. But let’s face it, innovation often faces resistance, especially when it threatens the status quo.

In the grand scheme of things, this bold move by California is a victory for all of us. It’s a reminder that we have the power to make a difference, even when we’re up against big corporations and bureaucratic red tape. So let’s raise a glass (without brominated vegetable oil, of course) to California and Governor Newsom for taking the lead in protecting our health.

More information

The National Library of Medicine has more on food additives.

Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on California’s ban on these harmful food additives? Are you ready to say goodbye to those chemicals? Share your opinions and experiences below! Let’s embark on this food revolution together.

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