California to ban Skittles and 12,000 other cancer-causing products
Governor Gavin Newsom has passed 'Skittles ban', imposing strict regulations on the production and sale of brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and Red Dye 3.
California is leading the charge in the food industry to ensure consumers’ well-being. As the first state in the U.S., it has banned the use of four hazardous food additives, found in a vast variety, of around 12,000, food products nationwide. The state’s Governor, Gavin Newsom, who signed off on this bill into law, fondly referred to as the “Skittles ban”, has enforced stringent measures against the manufacture, sale, or distribution of brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and Red Dye 3.
Chemicals Banned Under the New Law
The so-called “Skittles ban” targets chemicals that are regularly present in thousands of food products across the country. The additives of primary concern, namely brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and Red Dye 3, surprisingly, have not been approved for consumption by the Food and Drug Administration. An alarming report by Environmental Working Group, reveals that these chemicals are present in as many as 12,000 food products across the nation.
- Brominated vegetable oil: This additive is often used in citrus-flavored soft drinks to help mix the flavors.
- Potassium bromate: Primarily used in bread products, it helps to bleach the dough and improve its elasticity
- Propylparaben: This synthetic preservative is used to prolong the shelf-life of various food products.
- Red Dye 3: Popularly used in candies and condiments, this dye imparts a bright red color to food items.
Addressing Health Concerns Promptly
Although chemicals are commonly added to enhance the flavor, appearance, or freshness of food, their safety is a rising question of concern. Research and advocacy groups such as Consumer Reports have highlighted potential health results from the four targeted additives. Among them, Red Dye 3 has been conclusively connected to causing cancer in animal models. Its direct correlation with human cancer is still under investigation; however, it has not absolved it from the scrutiny or opposition faced by advocacy groups.
“Californians trust that the food products they consume are safe,” Newsom said in his signing message for the new law. “I appreciate the author and stakeholders for working on amendments, which advance our shared public health objectives while maintaining consumer choice.”
The Future Impact on Consumers
It’s important to note that the ripples of this measure may reach further than just California. Being a state with a large economy, manufacturers are unlikely to produce specialized versions of their products for the state. This means it could effectively change how goods are produced across the U.S. Other states, such as New York, are also exploring similar bills to ban these four harmful chemicals.
Regarding the so-called ‘Skittles ban’, and other tweaks made to the legislation, Governor Newsom expressed a clear viewpoint.
“The food industry is capable of maintaining product lines while complying with different public health laws,” Newsom said. “Californians will still be able to access and enjoy their favorite food products, with greater confidence in the safety of such products.”
This law has been signed off to come into effect in 2027, allowing companies a grace period to phase out these harmful additives and adapt their manufacturing processes.
