In a move which could potentially revolutionize the food industry, New York is considering legislation that would ban five food additives linked to cancer, chronic disease, and mood disorders.
This comes on the heels of California’s recent decision to enforce a similar ban, making it the first state in the U.S. to do so. The proposed bill targets five specific ingredients: Brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, red dye No. 3, and titanium dioxide.
These additives are currently found in popular products like Skittles, Pez candies, and Sun Drop soda. If the bill passes, manufacturers will have a five-year window to modify their recipes or face penalties for selling these products within the state.
TASTE THE RAINBOW: Actor blasts far-left California Gov. Gavin Newsom for spending more time to ban candy from store shelves instead of getting drugs and homeless off the streets. https://t.co/Pxgwyaf88v pic.twitter.com/5l1dxZkSQ3
— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 11, 2023
This initiative reflects a growing concern about the safety of food additives in the U.S., particularly when compared to European standards. Reports indicate at least ten ingredients still widely used in the U.S. are banned in Europe due to health concerns.
Among the substances targeted by the proposed ban is Red Dye No.3, which has been linked to cancer in laboratory animals and behavioral issues in children.
Another additive, brominated vegetable oil, used for citrus flavoring, has been associated with nerve damage, chronic headaches, memory loss, and impaired balance.
Propylparaben, often used as a preservative in baked goods, is linked to fertility issues. Potassium bromate, found in many baked goods and processed foods to aid dough rising, has been associated with the development of thyroid and kidney cancers.
.@CA_Dem have their priorities completely out of whack. It's no wonder our state is on a downward spiral. Democrats would rather ban candy than hold fentanyl dealers accountable. @MarkLarsonRadio pic.twitter.com/j1RRyLbct3
— Jessica Millan Patterson (@millanpatterson) May 26, 2023
The bill was introduced to both the Assembly and the Senate by Democratic assembly member Dr. Anna Kelles and Democratic Senator Brian Kavanagh respectively.
It must clear several hurdles before becoming law, including gaining majority support in the agriculture committees of both houses, receiving a majority vote on the floors of both the Assembly and the Senate, and finally, being signed off by Governor Kathy Hochul.
