Assembly Bill 418 proposes banning popular food items that consist of Red Dye No. 3, Titanium dioxide, Potassium Bromate, Brominated Vegetable oil, or Propylparaben. 

Why is California trying to ban these five chemicals? 

California wants to pass this bill because of health concerns. In the European Union, these chemicals are banned, while the United States deems them safe. In the EU, their reasons for excluding these chemicals were “due to scientific studies that have demonstrated significant public health harms, including increased risk of cancer, behavioral issues in children, harm to the reproductive system, and damage to the immune system” Gabriel news release says. Because studies have shown that red dye No. 3, an artificial hue made from petroleum, causes cancer in lab animals when used in high doses, the FDA has long prohibited its use in cosmetics. Yet it’s nonetheless utilized to impart a brilliant red color to foods and medications. Since red dye no.3 causes behavioral issues in children, the FDA said, “For kids in the general population who haven’t been given a behavioral disorder diagnosis, there is no proof of a causative connection.”

What are the concerns behind the passing of Assembly Bill 418? 

Most people are concerned that California will end up stopping the manufacturing and distribution of their favorite foods. Although most citizens don’t recognize those chemical names, they will remember their everyday favorite food items that consist of them. Titanium dioxide is found in trail mixes, cupcakes, and ice cream. Propylparaben is found in caramel chocolate. Potassium Bromate is added in baked goods such as bread, pizza dough, and buns, while brominated vegetable oil is in fruit-based sodas or drinks. There are over 3,000 products that use red dye no.3 with the most popular being Hot Cheetos and popular candies like Skittles, Nerds, and Trolli gummies.

Will Assembly Bill 418 pass?

As of now, it is unsure whether this bill will be passed. It was from Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel’s office, who introduced the bill to democrat lawmaker Buffy Wicks. In reaction to the bill’s introduction, the National Confectioners Association, a trade group with headquarters in Washington, D.C., issued the following statement on March 23, “Chocolate and candy are safe to enjoy, as they have been for centuries. We strongly oppose AB 418 because there is no evidence to support banning the ingredients listed in the bill. The ingredients that would be banned under this proposal have all been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Food safety is the number one priority for U.S. confectionery companies, and we do not use any ingredients in our products that do not comply with the FDA’s strictest safety standards.” If the bill is passed, it wont go into effect till January 1, 2027.  

What will be the effects if the bill is passed?

Although it is California passing the bill, the effects of AB 418 may be felt across the whole country, according to Faber, who predicted that major manufacturers would stop using the prohibited ingredients completely rather than personalizing their products only for Californian consumers. Faber said, “I expect all the companies that make cookies, candies, and other processed foods to quickly reformulate well before that 2027 deadline,” In addition, Gabriel said, “This is not going to lead to any products or any foods coming off the shelf. This is not a ban on any food or any product. It will require companies to make very, very minor modifications to their recipes, which are the same recipes they’re already using in other countries.”