Illinois Legislation Seeks to Prohibit Use of 5 Food Additives
Efforts to ban harmful food additives are gaining momentum in various states, though they are facing criticism for circumventing the FDA’s role in food regulation.
A group of policymakers in Illinois is pushing to ban five commonly used food additives found in heavily processed foods like candy and soda.
The state senate committee passed legislation last week to prohibit the use of brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, red dye No. 3, and titanium dioxide in products sold in Illinois. These chemicals are already banned in the European Union, and four of them will also be prohibited in California starting in 2027 under a law passed there last year.
Illinois Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago) expressed his concern, stating, “People should be able to trust that the food they buy is safe. As a father, it really concerns me that some of my family’s favorite food items have harmful chemicals in them. These food additives are linked to extreme health risks and have not been properly regulated. As legislators, we have a responsibility to prioritize their health and set a precedent for consumer safety.”
While California is the only state that has passed such a ban, there are other states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington considering similar legislation, according to Brian Ronholm, the director of food policy at Consumer Reports.
The Illinois legislation also includes provisions for researching the human health risks associated with two other additives, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), to determine if they should be subject to additional regulations.
Mr. Ronholm highlighted the states’ actions as a response to the FDA’s inability to prioritize consumer protection due to lack of funding and resources.
Regulatory Responsibilities
The move to ban harmful food additives has faced backlash from industry groups and critics who argue that it undermines the FDA’s regulatory authority.
Mark Denzler, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, expressed opposition to the legislation, stating, “Manufacturers oppose this well-intentioned legislation as it would set a dangerous precedent by usurping the role of FDA scientists and experts. This measure would create a confusing and costly patchwork of regulations for food manufacturing.”
While the FDA is reviewing petitions to revoke the use of certain additives, the National Confectioners Association emphasized the importance of science-driven decisions in food safety.
Seeking Better Options
The goal of the legislation is not to remove products from the market but to encourage manufacturers to use safer ingredients, according to Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.
Environmental Working Group (EWG) highlighted the disparity between the number of synthetic chemicals allowed in packaged foods and those permitted in certified organic foods by the FDA.
Illinois state representative Anne Stava-Murray emphasized the importance of removing harmful substances from the food supply to protect families and children.
Protecting the Vulnerable
The use of GRAS (generally recognized as safe) rule by manufacturers has raised concerns, especially for vulnerable populations like children, according to Mr. Giannoulias.
Advocates of the bill stress the need to prioritize the safety of children and other vulnerable individuals who are at greater risk from exposure to harmful food additives.
