Cereal and candy lovers beware: some favorite snacks might be banned. Several states are considering bans due to cancer-causing chemicals found in these foods.
Lucky Charms, Froot Loops, Skittles, and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos are just a few items under scrutiny. Even Gatorade and other sports drinks are affected.
New legislation could force companies to change their recipes. Many U.S. states are following Europe's lead, banning harmful chemicals in popular snacks.
California has already passed the "Skittles Ban," targeting additives like brominated vegetable oil and red dye No. 3. These substances have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer and kidney problems.
The ban, effective in 2027, specifically outlaws several harmful chemicals in California. Other states are considering similar bans on additional chemicals found in snacks and candies.
Pennsylvania politicians want to eliminate certain food colorings. Illinois, New Jersey, and Missouri are also looking at bans.
These chemicals are associated with behavioral problems in children and increased cancer risk. They damage DNA and the nervous system.
A study by the California Environmental Protection Agency connected these dyes to negative impacts on brain chemistry. The FDA is also proposing a federal ban on brominated vegetable oil due to its neurological effects.
California aims to ban Green 3, another chemical linked to hyperactivity. These proposed bans aren't just about outlawing foods; they're meant to push manufacturers toward safer ingredients.
Brian Ronholm, director of food safety at Consumer Reports, emphasizes the danger of these chemicals. "They are linked to certain types of cancers [and] linked to behavioral difficulties... these are things that don’t belong in food because of the increased risk that it presents."
While some states push for bans, others like Indiana and Maryland are resisting, creating a patchwork approach to regulation across the U.S.
