California Takes a Stand: Banning Harmful Food Additives and Rat Poison

California has become the first state to ban Red Dye No. 3, a chemical commonly used in food, including Halloween treats and private-label candy, due to concerns about its potential carcinogenic effects. The ban puts pressure on the FDA to reevaluate the safety of artificial colors and other ingredients in food. The FDA, currently undergoing a reorganization of its food division, stated that it evaluates and regulates the safety of ingredients added to food. The California law also bans three other chemicals, including brominated vegetable oil and potassium bromate, which have been linked to hormone disruption and possible carcinogenic effects. The legislation aims to address concerns about the lack of regulation and oversight of chemicals in food.