You may have seen headlines circulating around the internet that California banned Skittles and other candies like Peeps. The candies themselves are not banned, but one of their ingredients red dye no. 3 was banned. Why?
On Saturday October 7, 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 418 which bans red dye no.3 and three other food additives known as brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, and propylparaben. What the heck do these food additives do and why are they bad for our health?
Red dye no. 3, or erythrosine, is made from petroleum and added to foods to achieve desired colors. The examples that made the headlines were Skittle’s red candy coating and Peep’s bright pink marshmallow birdies. Brominated vegetable oil or BVO is used to keep citrus flavors in soft drinks evenly distributed throughout the product. Without it, citrus flavors would separate and float to the top. Potassium bromate is used in baking as a dough-strengthening additive that helps bread rise higher. Propylparaben is used in packaged pastries and tortillas to help keep the contents fresh.
Despite the benefits of each of these additives, they have all been linked to cancer, endocrine diseases, and human reproductive issues. As a step in protecting public health, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill that essentially bans these additives. The companies that make products containing these ingredients have until 2027 to reformulate their products, especially if they want to sell them in California.
While you work on removing any items containing red dye no. 3 from your pantry and fridge, we can help you get any red dye transfer or spill stains out of your clothes. Mango Fresh Laundry’s pickup and delivery is perfect for busy people with bigger things to worry about. Remove one more stress from your already full schedule and schedule your laundry with us.
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