I for one agree with any bill that helps with human health and doesn't look at the lowest common denominator where profit over health is the only motivation for these big business / certain politicians.
Why does the food in Europe especially fruits and vegetables taste much better in many European countries than it does in the US? We have flavorless tomatoes, flavorless strawberries, etc.. I know this bill will not address genetic modification and use of pesticides in the American food supply but its a start as we have an epidemic with ultra processed foods with many harmful chemicals that do damage to human health long term.
Quote:
The bill, the Illinois Food Safety Act, would target five specific chemicals: Brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, red dye No. 3, and titanium dioxide.
These chemicals can be found in candy, soda, and other ultra-processed foods.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said the additives have been linked to severe health problems, including nervous system damage, hyperactivity, hormonal damage, reproductive issues, and risk of cancer.
For example, Giannoulias highlighted one troublesome ingredient, titanium dioxide, in a candy favorite.
"You can't eat this stuff in Europe. You can't eat this stuff in Japan, but we just jam it down our kid's throats here in the United States of America. And that's not OK," he said.
"In fact, this particular bag of Skittles comes from the European Union, which proves that companies are indeed very capable and hopefully willing to sustain product lines while complying with a number of public health laws that differ depending on the country."
According to the Environmental Working Group, titanium dioxide can be found in thousands of foods. The European Food Safety Authority said it was banned after studies showed it can cause harm to the immune system and damage DNA.
The bill wouldn't ban any products or brands. Lawmakers said it would encourage food manufacturers to update recipes using safer ingredients.
If the Illinois Food Safety Act passes, it would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2027, to give food suppliers a chance to remove these substances..
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/il ... -skittles/