California Sets Precedent by Banning Four Disease-Linked Food Additives

California has become the first U.S. state to ban four potentially harmful food and drink additives, associated with diseases, including cancer, and banned in many countries.

The California Food Safety Act now prohibits the manufacture, distribution, and sale of food and drinks with brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye 3, found in products like candy, fruit juices, and cookies.

Proponents clarify this ban won’t immediately remove popular products but will necessitate reformulating items with healthier ingredients.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed the law, stating, “Californians will still access and enjoy favorite food products with greater safety.”

The law becomes effective in 2027, granting companies time to eliminate these harmful chemicals from their products.

The Food and Drug Administration banned red dye 3 in cosmetics in 1990 due to cancer concerns in lab animals. However, its use in food remains unrestricted. It appears in candies like Brach’s candy corn and Pez. Brominated vegetable oil and potassium bromate are linked to respiratory and nervous system issues, while propylparaben may affect reproductive health.

The proposal faced false claims that California was trying to ban Skittles. Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, who sponsored the bill, clarified that Skittles are sold in the European Union with alternative ingredients.

Jesse Gabriel emphasized the need for the U.S. to catch up with global food safety standards. He noted that the bill doesn’t ban foods but requires companies to shift to safer alternatives used in many places worldwide.

Countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, and Japan have already banned these four additives in food. Major brands like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Dunkin’, and Panera have voluntarily removed them from their products.