SFV Assemblyman Introduces AB418: Removal of 5 Chemical Ingredients from Food Products

Attorney turned Assemblyman, Jesse Gabriel, along with Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks of the East Bay #15th district, introduced   AB418, February 2nd.  It would forbid the inclusion, after Jan 1, 2025, of five chemicals currently found in various food types and categories. However, many of these ingredients have been limited by other countries, by manufacturer's voluntarily, and by guidelines of the FDA for 30+ years.  

The bill, as of February 17th has been Referred to Committees. on Health and the Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials . It has not received any sponsors to date.

Legislators have ignored pursuing any path, any incentive, to increase a voluntary removal of these products:

• Titanium dioxide,TiO2,is found in candies including Skittles and M&Ms, and some dairy products such as Kraft fat-free shredded cheddar cheese
  • Odorless powder added to foods and over-the-counter products. Enhances opacity or the products white color.
  • Nanoscale Titanium Dioxide is used for sunscreen 
  • Pigment-grade Titanium Dioxide has a broader usage - Titanium Dioxide - Chemical Safety Facts
    • Paints and Coatings
    • Plastics, Adhesives and Rubber
    • Cosmetics
    • Paper
    • Food Contact Materials (including pill capsules) and Ingredients
  • A consumer class action lawsuits filed against Skittles have been dismissed.  SPECIAL REPORT: FDA doubles down on titanium dioxide safety as CSPI raises concerns; Skittles lawsuits dismissed (foodnavigator-usa.com)
  • The use of TiO2 is banned in the European Union. Canada & the U.S. continue to allow food grade TiO2 inclusion in food products.

• Red dye No. 3, found in Hot Tamales, strawberry Nesquik, some baked goods
  • Technical name is erythrosine, a synthetic dye derived from petroleum, an organoiodine compound, specifically a derivative of fluorone
  • Banned as a component/ingredient in cosmetics over 30 years ago
  • "October 2022, Consumer Reports, along with more than 20 other advocacy groups, signed a petition ... to ask the FDA to prohibit the use of Red Dye No. 3 in food, dietary supplements, and ingested drugs...there are nearly 3,000 food products that contain Red Dye No. 3." Why Is Red Dye 3 Banned in Cosmetics But Allowed in Food? - Consumer Reports
  • The FDA requires manufacturers to list Red Dye No. 3 dye on the label.

• Potassium bromate, found in some white bread, flours and pizza dough
  • A powerful oxidizing agent that chemically ages flour much faster than open air.
  • Banned in China, United Kingdom in 1990 and Canada in 1994. 
  • California, in 1991, declared bromate a carcinogen under the state's Proposition 65!
  • Natural Flour/Grain company King Arthur boasts of not using Potassium Bromate
  • The Truth About Potassium Bromate | Bromated Flour | Live Science
  • It is produced when bromine is passed through a hot solution of potassium hydroxide.

• Brominated vegetable oil, used in citric sodas including Sun Drop
  • Used to prevent citrus flavors from separating in drinks
  • Usually derived from corn or soybean oil
  • FDA approved its use in small amounts CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 (fda.gov)
  • Banned in Japan and Europe
  • Pepsi voluntarily removed it from Gatorade in 2013
  • Coca Cola voluntarily removed it from all its products in 2014

• Propyl paraben, found in various baked goods, trail mixes and tortillas
  • Parabens Factsheet | National Biomonitoring Program | CDC
  • Advocate group EWG focus on Propyl paraben in 2015 may have led to its VOLUNTARY decreased use in food products Dirty Dozen Guide To Food Additives
  • The  European Food Safety Authority banned the use of propylparaben in food in 2006
  • The European Union banned its inclusion in cosmetic products in 2015

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