skittles banned California? A recent law could potentially take popular candies such as Skittles, Pez, and Sour Patch Kids off store shelves in California. What is behind this potential ban?
Assembly Bill 418, introduced by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, is set for a vote later in the legislative session and, if passed, could require stores to remove Skittles, Pez, Sour Patch Kids and other candies from shelves starting January 1, 2025.
Why could skittles banned California?
skittles banned California, Assembly Bill (AB) 418, a groundbreaking measure, would prohibit the manufacture, sale or distribution in California of any food product containing Red Dye No. 3, Titanium Dioxide, Potassium Bromate, Brominated Vegetable Oil or Propyl Paraben according to a press release issued by Assemblymember Gabriel’s office.
Red Dye No. 3 was banned from cosmetics in 1990, and many public health experts cannot understand why regulators would allow it to remain in food products today. This chemical can be found in hundreds of products including those produced by Betty Crocker and Hostess, however.
The lawmaker’s team also noted that these chemicals have been banned in the European Union due to scientific studies showing significant public health harms, including an increased risk of cancer, behavioral issues in children, damage to reproductive systems and immune damage.
These additives are used to extend the shelf life of candies while also improving taste, but they are particularly hazardous for children.
Gabriel’s team also noted that “most” chemicals had never been independently evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or were last reviewed decades ago. Due to loopholes in federal law, these substances could be added directly into food without FDA review – originally implemented to speed up regulatory approval for “common household ingredients like vinegar.”
California could become the first state to enact such a ban if approved by its health committee. Once that subset of lawmakers reviews it and gives their blessing, the bill could then move forward for voting on the floor.