New York State is joining the movement to ban harmful additives in food and beverages, with lawmakers introducing two bills aimed at safeguarding consumers from potentially dangerous substances commonly used in food production.

The first bill, A6424A/S6055B, seeks to prohibit the use of seven hazardous additives in foods and drinks sold within the state, including azodicarbonamide, brominated vegetable oil (BVO), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), potassium bromate, propylparaben, Red 3, and titanium dioxide. Notably, all but BHA are already banned in the European Union, and California has previously enacted legislation to eliminate several of these additives by 2027, with New York proposing an earlier implementation date of 2025.

The second bill, S08615/A9295, focuses on enhancing transparency by requiring companies to disclose to the state when they add chemicals to food and beverages that they have determined to be “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) without FDA notification. This legislation aims to address gaps in the FDA’s regulatory oversight, particularly regarding self-determined GRAS determinations made by food companies without public disclosure or FDA review.

Supported by various organizations including the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Consumer Reports, and the Environmental Working Group, these bills aim to protect consumers from additives linked to adverse health effects while promoting transparency in the food industry. Additionally, they could have nationwide implications, as compliance by food manufacturers may lead to nationwide changes, and the disclosure requirement could shed light on industry practices beyond New York’s borders.

The proposed measures highlight growing concerns over the safety of food additives and the need for comprehensive regulatory reform to ensure the health and well-being of consumers across the United States.

Source: Food Safety News

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