What’s up with the new California law that was allegedly birthed by the “Skittles ban” idea? Is the state of California really banning Skittles and other famous candy products?
Explaining the new California law that was previously known as the “Skittles ban”
Before anything else, we would like to make it clear that this law DOES NOT BAN Skittles or any other forms of candies. The “Skittles ban” has been making rounds on the internet and some people were misled with the idea that California will axe the beloved candy altogether. That is not true.
California Governor Gavin Newsom had just passed a bill called “The California Food Safety Act” which would force food manufacturers to change their products’ ingredients. In the new law signed by Newsom on Saturday, food companies will be given three years (until January 2027) to remove or completely change the four ingredients from their products that are known to be potential health dangers. Below are the prohibited harmful chemicals present in Skittles and most candies:
- Brominated vegetable oil
- Potassium bromate
- Propylparaben
- Red dye No.3
The law states that “a person or entity shall not manufacture, sell, deliver, distribute, hold, or offer for sale, in commerce a food product for human consumption” (pertaining to the banned chemicals). Anyone who violates this law is “punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 for a first violation and not to exceed $10,000 for each subsequent violation, upon an action brought by the Attorney General, a city attorney, a county counsel, or a district attorney,”.
Golden State becomes the first American state to pass this law while New York City is also looking to follow suit. Meanwhile, about 12,000 food products from all over the United States will face the same fate under the law passed by Newsom.
“Californians trust that the food products they consume are safe,” Newsom said in his statement. “I appreciate the author and stakeholders for working on amendments, which advance our shared public health objectives while maintaining consumer choice.”
Foods with Red Dye No. 3: Why it’s bad for your health
Among the three chemicals mentioned above, Red Dye No.3 is the most harmful additive to our favorite foods. According to research, the red food dye we have been accustomed to is a carcinogen, which is literally a substance that can cause cancer. Although these chemicals aren’t regulated and approved by the Food and Drug Administration, Red Dye No.3 and the other three chemicals are still present in most consumables. Not only have these been linked to cancer, but some of them are also connected to thyroid problems, DNA damage, and many other diseases.
Red Dye No.3 is commonly found in baked goods, candies, cereals, and sodas. Aside from Skittles, products like Peeps marshmallows, PEZ candy, Hot Tamales candy, Mountain Lightning soda, Strawberry Yoo-Hoo drink, Cosmic Brownies, Little Bites chocolate chip muffins, Brach’s Candy Corn, and thousands more.
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