A bill that would outlaw the sale of candy like Pez, Skittles, and Sour Patch Kids is being considered by California’s legislators. Also, due to ingredients related to cancer and organ damage, foods like Campbell’s soups would be outlawed.
Five additives are the focus of the proposal, which was put forth by Democratic Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel. The European Union has outlawed three of the targeted chemicals. The five components are titanium dioxide, red coloring 3, brominated vegetable oil, and Propylparaben.
“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,” Gabriel said in a statement. “This bill will correct for a concerning lack of federal oversight and help protect our kids, public health, and the safety of our food supply.”
The law would forbid businesses from producing food containing the additives in California
In addition, the law would forbid businesses from producing food containing the additives in California, whether or not the product would be sold there. Gabriel stated that the objective was to have all of the companies’ formulas remove the chemicals, not just those in California.
According to Gabriel, the compounds were picked because they are prohibited in Europe, with titanium dioxide being the most noticeable. The substance, which is used to color food, was the subject of a lawsuit in the state last year.
German researchers discovered in 2015 that the chemical might accumulate in the spleen, kidney, or liver. 2017 saw the conclusion of more current French research that it may raise someone’s risk of immune system harm, inflammation, and cancer.
Why are these harmful substances included in our food? Susan Little, a member of the Environment Working Group was questioned by the media.
“We know they are harmful and that children are likely eating more of these chemicals than adults. It makes no sense that the same products food manufacturers sell in California are sold in the EU but without these toxic chemicals,” she added.
According to a 2020 Environmental Protection Agency assessment, youngsters who ingested red dye 3, another of the compounds, were more likely to be hyperactive and inattentive. The other main component was potassium bromate, which is prohibited in the EU, Canada, and Brazil due to its associations with thyroid and kidney malignancies.
Additional foods that would be subject to the prohibition across the United States include jelly beans, Trident sugar-free gum, and specific bread types. If they want to avoid the ingredients, customers are advised to read the food labels before making a purchase.