California recently heralded a pioneering stance on food safety and chemical usage by prohibiting Red Dye No. 3 in food items, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing discussions regarding federal food policies and public health.
Gov. Gavin Newsom sanctioned a law that effectively outlaws the red dye and three other chemicals, reflecting an approach focused on alleviating health concerns, according to a news report by The New York Times.
A Glimpse into the Upcoming Legislation
The new legislation, set to take effect in 2027, draws attention to the longstanding policy of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which still allows the use of Red Dye No. 3 in food despite the agency's 1990 ban on the dye's use in cosmetics (such as lipstick) due to potential carcinogenic properties. California's ban comes three decades following the FDA's ban and challenges the federal government's stance on permissible food additives.
Because 2027 is still several years away, brands will ...