The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working toward conducting a modernized, systematic reassessment of chemicals added to foods with a focus on post-market review, explain top agency officials in a recent article. In order to execute this new, data-informed and risk-based approach, however, FDA requires greater funding and additional authorities.

FDA has also outlined an enhanced approach to regulating food chemical safety, in which a new framework for systematic post-market chemical reassessment is included.

California lawmakers want to taste a slightly less artificial candy rainbow. 

The state Assembly has passed a bill that would ban use of five chemical additives in food products, including a coloring agent found in Skittles—with its “taste the rainbow” slogan—and Red 3, which is used in packaged cookies, frostings and other snacks. 

Consumer advocates backing the bill say these additives pose health risks and should be removed. Candy makers say federal regulators, not states, should determine the safety of food additives.

A first-of-its-kind law that would ban the use of certain ingredients and dyes linked to cancer and other health issues in processed foods and drinks is now closer than ever to becoming reality in California.

Assembly Bill 418, introduced by Assemblymembers Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills) and Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), would ban the manufacture, sale and distribution of foods containing red dye No. 3, titanium dioxide, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, or propylparaben — starting in 2025.

California’s State Assembly approved a first-in-the-nation bill Monday to rid food products of five toxic chemicals linked to cancer and developmental issues in children.

The legislation, AB 418, seeks to prohibit the manufacture, sale, delivery and distribution of food products that contain brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, red dye 3 or titanium dioxide.

Introduced by Democratic State Assemblymembers Jesse Gabriel and Buffy Wicks at the beginning of February, the legislation targets chemicals that are already banned in the European Union.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The California state Assembly has approved a bill that would ban certain ingredients found in popular candies such as Skittles and Nerds, as well as other processed foods.

Assembly Bill 418, proposed by Rep. Jesse Gabriel from Woodland Hills, now moves on to the state Senate for consideration.

While the European Union has already banned the five chemicals listed in the bill, California would become the first U.S. state to take that step.