Double check the labels on your halloween candy this year — California is cracking down on food additives found in candies like Skittles and Nerds.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a new bill over the weekend banning certain food additives from being distributed throughout the state beginning in 2027.
The California Food Safety Act targets a number of common ingredients in processed foods — such as brominated vegetable oil and red dye No. 3 — that have been linked to potential health concerns.
Research on these additives have indicated carcinogenic effects during animal testing, and many other countries, including the United Kingdom and Switzerland, have enacted their own bans on these additives in previous decades.
These chemicals have also been associated with a range of health concerns, from hyperactivity in children to cancer.
This law has drawn a lot of attention due to what some media outlets have called a “Skittles Ban,” as the popular candy contains traces of the to-be-removed red dye No. 3.
Newsom spoke to this issue in a press release coinciding with the bill’s signature.
“This particular bag of candy comes from the European Union — a place that already bans a number of chemical additives and colorants,” Newsom said in the press release. “This is demonstrable proof that the food industry is capable of maintaining product lines while complying with different public health laws.”
Other foods, such as Peeps, Little Bites muffins and protein shakes also include these additives.
Andy Perez, a USC senior majoring in accounting, said he isn’t on board with being told what he can or can’t eat.
“I eat a lot of these products on a daily basis,” Perez said. “I feel like people should be able to choose if they want to eat them or not.”
Gracelyn Glebke, a sophomore majoring in psychology, expressed similar concerns but understood the purpose of the change.
“Sure, this sucks, but I also think this ban is valid,” she said. “Obviously these types of foods are artificial — I don’t think anyone is eating them to benefit their health. So I think if people are just made aware of health concerns, then they can choose for themselves if they want to buy the product or not.”
Any food affected by the incoming additive ban will have time to reformulate their recipe, and in result, avoid removal from shelves.
Many variances of these products already exist. The international variants of popular soda brands and candy have already removed the problematic flavorings since bans in other countries already stand.
Consumer Reports, a nonprofit organization that works on independent product testing, joined many other activist organizations in support of the legislature. Brian Ronholm, the director of food policy at the organization, said the bill will improve health statewide.
“We’ve known for years that the toxic chemicals banned under California’s landmark new law pose serious risks to our health,” Ronholm told Consumer Reports. “By keeping these dangerous chemicals out of food sold in the state, this groundbreaking law will protect Californians and encourage manufacturers to make food safer for everyone.”