Your Life
Although this CNN article is about a bill in CA banning the use of certain chemicals linked to health issues, it bears passing on so the rest of us outside CA can be more informed of the ingredients going into foods we may be eating. In particular, CA legislators are proposing to ban the use of the following: red dye No. 3, titanium dioxide, potassium bromate, and brominated vegetable oil or propylparaben. Titanium dioxide is a powder used as a white colorant or to give a smooth texture to candies and other processed foods. Potassium bromate is added to baked goods to help the dough strengthen and rise higher. In some beverages, brominated vegetable oil keeps the citrus flavoring from floating to the top. Propylparaben is used for antimicrobial food preservation.
Interestingly, these food products have already been banned in the European Union, while the US has allowed use at levels determined safe. In addition, these same food products are sold in the EU without the banned ingredients. Another thing to point out is that it is likely children ingesting more of these foods (therefore, chemicals) than adults.
California bill aims to ban sale of popular candies containing ingredients that may cause health issues
by Andi Babineau and Kristen Rogers
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