California Sets Precedent by Banning Harmful Food Additives

California has become the first state to ban four food additives, including red dye No. 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propylparaben, due to their links to health problems. These chemicals, already banned in the European Union and other parts of the world, can be found in commonly sold items in the United States. The ban will take effect in 2027 and is expected to prompt nationwide changes in ingredient lists for as many as 12,000 products. The additives have been associated with issues such as hyperactivity in children and cancer. The move aims to protect consumers and send a message to the FDA about the need for faster change in evaluating ingredient safety.