Springfield, Illinois – A bill has recently made its way through the Illinois legislature aiming to ban certain harmful additives and chemicals in food. Senate Bill 2637, introduced by Illinois Senator Willie Preston, has been approved by the Senate and is now set to be reviewed by the House. This bill targets specific ingredients commonly found in candy, soda, and snack foods, such as titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye No. 3.
The proposed ban is in response to concerns raised by organizations like the Environmental Working Group and Consumer Reports regarding the presence of these harmful additives in popular food products. For instance, brominated vegetable oil has been found in some sodas and sports drinks, while potassium bromate is commonly used in packaged breads and frozen foods. Propylparaben can be found in various baked goods, and red dye No. 3 is present in some candy, baked goods, snacks, and sodas.
Furthermore, titanium dioxide, another additive on the ban list, can be found in processed foods like soups and sauces. The bill also calls for studies on the health risks associated with BHA and BHT, chemicals commonly found in gum, snack foods, and other grocery items.
If passed, the bill would require manufacturers and distributors to find safer alternatives and update their recipes by January 1, 2028. Penalties for non-compliance violations would also be established. Despite the positive intentions behind the bill, the Illinois Manufacturers Association has expressed opposition, citing concerns about setting a dangerous precedent.
A similar ban was enacted in California last October, requiring manufacturers to adjust their formulas rather than removing products containing these ingredients from shelves. However, some food manufacturers are critical of such bans, arguing that they create inconsistency, confusion, and increased food costs.
In response to the passage of the bill in Illinois, the National Confectioners Association voiced skepticism about the scientific expertise of state legislators in making regulatory decisions. They emphasized the need for the FDA to provide guidance on food ingredients to ensure uniformity and regulatory predictability across all states.
As debates on the bill continue, it remains to be seen how Illinois will navigate the complexities of regulating food additives and chemicals to ensure consumer safety and confidence in the market.