California Bans Use of Color Additive Red Dye No. 3

California Governor Gavin Newsom has approved a groundbreaking law aimed at prohibiting the use of red dye No. 3 and various potentially hazardous food additives in consumer products. This move makes California the first state in the United States to ban these ingredients, commonly found in a wide range of popular candies, beverages, and more. The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit environmental health organization that collaborated with Consumer Reports, reported on this development.

Officially known as the California Food Safety Act or Assembly Bill 418, this legislation, introduced by Assemblymembers Jesse Gabriel and Buffy Wicks in February, imposes restrictions on the production, sale, or distribution of food items containing red dye No. 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, or propylparaben within the state of California. Potassium bromate enhances the strength and leavening of dough in baked goods, while brominated vegetable oil is used to emulsify citrus flavors in certain beverages, preventing separation. Propylparabens serve as antimicrobial agents for food preservation.

The Environmental Working Group’s Eat Well Guide identified nearly 3,000 products that incorporate red dye No. 3 as an ingredient. These products range from candies like Skittles, Nerds, and gummies to protein shakes, instant rice, potato items, and boxed cake mixes.

Governor Newsom pointed out the availability of Skittles in the European Union as proof that the food industry can maintain product lines while adhering to diverse public health regulations. The European Union has banned these chemicals due to scientific evidence demonstrating significant health risks, including an elevated cancer risk, behavioral problems in children, reproductive system harm, and immune system damage, as stated in Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel’s March press release.

In his letter to the California State Assembly, Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized that signing this legislation into law represents a positive step forward regarding these four food additives until the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducts a comprehensive review and establishes updated national safety standards for these additives.

The implementation of this bill is scheduled for 2027, allowing brands ample time to reformulate their recipes to exclude these harmful chemicals. Governor Newsom reassured Californians that they will still be able to access and enjoy their favorite food products with greater confidence in their safety.

However, the National Confectioners Association, a trade organization based in Washington, DC, expressed concerns that Governor Newsom’s approval of the bill could erode consumer confidence and create confusion surrounding food safety. They called on the FDA to provide guidance on the matter. Currently, these chemicals are permitted in US food products due to a loophole in the FDA’s Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, referred to as the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) rule, allowing manufacturers to use these ingredients in quantities and ways previously deemed safe by the FDA.

Given the size of California’s economy, this groundbreaking law may have a ripple effect across the entire country, affecting food products nationwide, not just in California, according to Consumer Reports. It is unlikely that manufacturers will produce separate versions of their products for California and the rest of the country.

In the meantime, individuals who wish to avoid consuming red dye No. 3 can scrutinize ingredient lists for “FD&C Red #3” in foods and check the “inactive ingredients” section for medications.

{Matzav.com}