California’s Chemical Reform Bill: Addressing Misconceptions and Ensuring Consumer Safety. Governor Gavin Newsom signs a bill targeting harmful chemicals in popular snacks. Despite the misleading ‘Skittles ban’ label, Skittles remain unaffected. Learn the facts and key insights from Governor Newsom and State Representative Jesse Gabriel.
California’s Explosive New Law Ignites Skittles Controversy
What the Law Targets
Governor Gavin Newsom of California signed this bill into law, which targets four chemicals: red dye No. 3, potassium bromates, brominated vegetable oil, and propyl paraben. These substances are commonly used in various snacks, such as Peeps, Brach’s candy corn, and Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies.
The ‘Skittles Ban’ Misconception
The legislation has been misleadingly referred to as a “Skittles ban” due to an earlier version that included titanium dioxide, a chemical present in Skittles candy. Despite titanium dioxide no longer being mentioned in the law, the “Skittles ban” label persists, and some viral social media posts falsely claim that California will outlaw Skittles by 2027.
Skittles Unaffected, Reformulation Deadline
In truth, Skittles will remain unaffected by this ban. Even if titanium dioxide were still a part of the law, companies would have until 2027 to reformulate their products to exclude the prohibited chemicals.
European Ban vs. Availability
While the European Commission did ban the use of titanium dioxide last year, Skittles can still be found on European shelves as the candies sold there reportedly do not contain this banned chemical.
Governor’s Response to ‘Skittles Ban’ Label
Governor Newsom expressed dissatisfaction with the “Skittles ban” nickname, pointing out that other countries that have banned titanium dioxide still sell Skittles.
Explosive Skittles Controversy: What’s Really Happening with California’s New Law!
Crucial Quote from State Representative
California State Representative Jesse Gabriel, who introduced the bill, stated, “There’s a zero percent chance this is actually going to result in a ban of Skittles. All we need the groups to do is transfer their recipes with inside the identical manner that they have got finished in Europe, and Canada and the U.K. Brazil and different nations which have banned those chemicals.”
Key Background:
Chemicals and Studies some research have cautioned a hyperlink among pink dye No. 3 and thyroid cancer in animals, although no such link has been established in humans. The Food and Drug Administration prohibited the chemical for cosmetic use in 1990 due to its association with cancer in animals, but it is still allowed in food products.
Brominated vegetable oil has been found to be harmful to skin membranes and, in large quantities, has been associated with memory loss. Some studies have indicated that propyl paraben may interfere with fertility, and one study observed a decrease in sperm count in rats, though recent research did not find a similar link. Research has indicated that potassium bromate can have carcinogenic effects in animals. In 2022, the European Food Safety Authority stated that titanium dioxide is “possibly carcinogenic,” although some researchers have contested this and called for further study.
California’s New Law: The Massive Impacton Your Favorite Snacks!
Big Number: Affected Food Products
An Environmental Working Group report estimates that around 12,000 food products may be affected by California’s new law.
Former baseball star Steve Garvey announces
What chemicals does California’s Chemical Reform Bill target?
The bill targets four chemicals: red dye No. 3, potassium bromates, brominated vegetable oil, and propyl paraben, commonly used in snacks like Peeps, Brach’s candy corn, and Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies.
Why is this legislation referred to as the ‘Skittles Ban’?
Initially, the bill included titanium dioxide, a chemical found in Skittles candy. Although titanium dioxide is no longer mentioned in the law, the ‘Skittles ban’ label persists, fueled by viral social media posts that falsely claim California will outlaw Skittles by 2027.
How does the bill affect Skittles and other similar products?
Skittles will remain unaffected by this ban. Even if titanium dioxide were still a part of the law, companies would have until 2027 to reformulate their products to exclude the prohibited chemicals. This applies to similar products containing the specified chemicals as well.