California Governor Gavin Newsom has enacted a groundbreaking law with the aim of prohibiting red dye No. 3 and other potentially harmful food additives in consumer products.

On Saturday, California, known as the Golden State, made history by becoming the first state in the nation to outlaw the utilization of these ingredients found in numerous popular confections, beverages, and more.

This significant move was made in collaboration with the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental health, which joined forces with Consumer Reports to support this legislation, CNN reported.

Referred to as the California Food Safety Act, Assembly Bill 418, initially introduced by Assemblymembers Jesse Gabriel and Buffy Wicks in February, imposes restrictions on the production, sale, and distribution of food items in California containing red dye No. 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, or propylparaben.

Potassium bromate serves as an additive in baked goods, enhancing dough strength and leavening.

In certain beverages, brominated vegetable oil functions as an emulsifier for citrus flavorings, preventing separation. Propylparabens are employed for antimicrobial food preservation.

The Environmental Working Group’s Eat Well Guide has identified nearly 3,000 products that incorporate red dye No. 3 as an ingredient, encompassing items such as Skittles, Nerds, Trolli gummies, protein shakes, instant rice and potato products, as well as boxed cake mixes.

Written by staff