New York State Could Ban Popular Foods And Drinks From Being Sold

New York State could be the first in America to ban certain ingredients in food, that would keep popular foods and drinks off store shelves. There's a bill in both the NYS Senate and Assembly that, if passed, would stop many common products from being sold in New York.

New York State Senate Bill S6055 and Assembly Bill A6424 would require food manufacturers and stores to remove any products that include five ingredients that have been deemed harmful. If passed the bill,

Prohibits certain food additives and food color additives beginning January 1, 2025; provides that in an action to enforce compliance, the recognition by the federal food and drug administration of any of these substances as safe may not be alleged as a defense.

A California bill banning similar chemicals is also making its way through the state legislature.

What Food Ingredients Would Be Banned In New York State?

Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports said,

Despite the well-documented risks these five food chemicals pose to our health, the FDA has failed to take action to protect the public. By banning these dangerous chemicals from food, California can protect public health in the state and encourage manufacturers to make their products safer for the rest of the country.

The five ingredients are found in many common and popular food items sold in New York State:

1. Brominated vegetable oil

Brominated vegetable oil is made from vegetable oil with the chemical bromine, which is also used as a flame retardant.

2. Red dye No. 3

Red dye No. 3 may contribute to behavioral issues such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in kids. It is banned from use in cosmetics.

3. Titanium dioxide

Titanium dioxide is an inorganic substance used in food products including dairy products, candies, baked goods, and salad dressings.

4. Potassium bromate

Potassium bromate is a chemical additive used to help strengthen the dough and enhance the texture of bread and other baked goods.

5. Propylparaben

Propylparaben is a paraben group which also includes butylparaben, isobutylparaben, methylparaben, and ethylparaben. It is used in food and self-care/beauty products.

The bill states some of the potential health hazards of the ingredients,

Brominated vegetable oil (linked to nervous system damage); potassium bromate (linked to cancer); propylparabens (linked to hormone and reproductive system harm); red dye 3 (linked to cancer and behavioral problems in children); and titanium dioxide (linked to DNA damage and harm to the immune system).

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