Pennsylvania joins the chorus of states considering banning food additives accepted by the FDA. Today (March 19), two state representatives, a state senator and other speakers held a press conference announcing House Bill 2116 and 2117, which together would ban red 3, yellow 5 & 6, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA).
“All [have] been linked to an increased risk of cancer as well as other negative health effects,” according to Rep. Melissa Shusterman, one of the sponsors, said in introducing HB 2116 on Feb. 28. Rep. Natalie Mihalek, sponsor of HB 2117, added at the time, “While these additives may lengthen shelf life or provide an attractive color to our food, they serve no nutritional value and pose serious risks to our health.”
Today’s press conference included speakers from Environmental Working Group, Consumer Reports and the American Academy of Pediatrics. While he didn’t speak, State Sen. Devlin Robinson was at the conference and supports the bill.
Yesterday, the bills were referred to the House’s Consumer Protection, Technology And Utilities Committee.
There’s been a growing number of states considering legislation to ban some food additives, especially since the California Food Safety Act was signed into law last October. That law would ban red dye No. 3, propylparaben, potassium bromate and brominated vegetable oil as of 2027. Illinois, New York, Washington and Missouri are considering similar laws, although often targeting slightly different additives.
Indiana is considering a bill to prohibit high-fructose corn syrup.
“Enough is enough,” sighed Chris Gindlesperger, senior vice president of public affairs and communications at National Confectioners Assn. “Pennsylvania is the latest in a series of states that is proposing to dismantle our national food safety system in an emotionally driven campaign that lacks scientific backing. FDA is the only institution in America that can stop this sensationalistic agenda which is not based on facts and science. It’s time for FDA Commissioner Califf to wake up and get in the game.”
