The California Legislature has voted overwhelmingly to pass Assembly Bill 418, marking a significant milestone in the fight for food safety.
The bill, which secured a resounding victory in the House just one day after a 33-3 vote in favor in the Senate, now awaits the signature of Governor Gavin Newsom.
Should it become law, AB 418 will enact a sweeping ban on potassium bromate, titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, red dye No. 3, and propylparaben, starting in the year 2027.
Commonplace Food Additives Under Scrutiny
Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, who, alongside fellow Democrat Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, introduced this groundbreaking legislation, hailed it as a momentous triumph for public health.
Gabriel underscored that these four additives not only find their way into products aimed at children but are also prevalent in packaged goods predominantly marketed to low-income communities and communities of color.
The prohibited additives targeted by the bill serve a wide range of purposes, from enhancing the visual appeal of food products to extending their shelf life.
Red dye No. 3, an artificial colorant derived from petroleum, has a history of being banned for cosmetic applications by the FDA.
This action came in response to compelling research indicating a potential link to cancer in laboratory animals, particularly in instances of high dosage exposure.
The ingredients in the crosshairs of AB 418 have long enjoyed FDA approval and have become ubiquitous in a wide range of popular candies and baked goods.
Iconic treats such as strawberry Yoo-hoo, Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies, Entenmann's Little Bites party cake muffins, and Brach's candy corn have all featured these additives.
Despite the momentum behind AB 418, formidable opposition has emerged from the National Confectioners Association, a prominent lobby group.
In a statement issued in March, the association argued vehemently against the need for an ingredient ban, asserting that there is no credible evidence to support such a measure.
They maintain that chocolate and candy have been safely enjoyed for centuries.
Nevertheless, scientific studies have linked these additives to behavioral and reproductive issues, as well as potential carcinogenic properties.
Red dye No. 3, a notorious ingredient, stands out among the additives facing scrutiny.
Its cosmetic use was banned by the FDA in 1990 due to an association with thyroid cancer.
Additionally, studies have connected it to behavioral problems and heightened hyperactivity in children, as highlighted in a 2004 study published in the medical journal "Archives of Disease in Childhood."
Brominated Vegetable Oil and Potassium Bromate: Unveiling Health Hazards
Brominated vegetable oil, an ingredient that has raised eyebrows, is linked to skin problems, memory issues, and persistent headaches.
Meanwhile, potassium bromate, which is celebrated for enhancing the texture of baked items and aiding in bread's leavening, has come under fire for its potential cancer-causing attributes.
Importantly, several countries, such as Brazil, Canada, China, and India, have already prohibited its use.
Initially, Assembly Bill 418 had an ingredient called titanium dioxide, a primary component in Skittles. This caused some to humorously dub the bill as the "Skittles ban."
The European Food Safety Authority issued a report highlighting concerns about DNA harm, termed genotoxicity, which led the European Union to ban its utilization.
However, the FDA remains confident in its safety for consumption.
