Several states are moving to ban harmful dyes and food additives already prohibited in Europe. These chemicals are linked to serious health risks, but they remain legal in the U.S. Here's a breakdown of the additives, health concerns, and what you can do to avoid them.

Additives Under Scrutiny

Azodicarbonamide
- Use: Dough strengthener and whitening agent in bread.
- Risks: Converts into carcinogens during baking.
- Found in: Packaged breads, rolls, and pastries.
- States Acting: New York.

Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
- Use: Blends liquids in sodas and sports drinks.
- Risks: Linked to neurological, thyroid, and reproductive issues.
- Found in: Citrus-flavored sodas and vibrant drinks.
- States Acting: Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania (California already bans it).

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
- Use: Preservative in oils, fats, and baked goods.
- Risks: Animal studies show links to cancer.
- Found in: Cereals, snack foods, beer, butter, and gum.
- States Acting: New York, Pennsylvania.

Potassium Bromate
- Use: Enhances dough texture and strength.
- Risks: Linked to various cancers.
- Found in: Packaged breads, frozen foods.
- States Acting: Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania (California already bans it).

Propylparaben
- Use: Preservative for longer shelf life.
- Risks: Endocrine disruption, reproductive issues.
- Found in: Corn tortillas, baked goods, and cake icing.
- States Acting: Illinois, New York (California bans it).

Titanium Dioxide
- Use: White food coloring and primer for vibrant colors.
- Risks: Linked to digestive issues, immune system concerns, and genotoxicity.
- Found in: Candy, coffee creamers, soups, sauces.
- States Acting: California (schools only), New York.

Red Dye No. 3
- Use: Bright red food coloring.
- Risks: Cancer, thyroid tumors, hyperactivity in children.
- Found in: Candies, cereals, sodas, baked goods.
- States Acting: Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania (California bans it).

Other Dyes: Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1 & 2, Green No. 3
- Use: Food colorings.
- Risks: Linked to hyperactivity and behavioral issues in children.
- Found in: Cereals, sodas, snacks, beverages.
- States Acting: California (schools only), Pennsylvania (excluding Green No. 3).

Why Are These Additives Still Legal?

• Outdated FDA Approvals: Many additives were approved decades ago, ignoring recent research.
• GRAS Loophole: Companies can self-determine an ingredient as "Generally Recognized as Safe" without FDA oversight, leading to unregulated use.
• European Standards: Europe banned these chemicals years ago due to safety concerns.

Are Safer Alternatives Available?

Yes! Many companies already sell additive-free versions of their products in Europe. For example:
- BVO substitute: Ester gum.
- Propylparaben substitute: Sorbic acid.
- Titanium dioxide substitute: Calcium carbonate.

Tips to Avoid Harmful Additives

Read Labels Carefully: Additives must be listed in the ingredients.

Focus on Whole Foods: Processed foods, candies, and sodas are the biggest culprits.

Use Tools: Check ingredients via the EWG’s Food Scores database for safe options.

Choose Trusted Brands: Look for organic or additive-free products.

The Push for Change

• State Bans: California, Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania are leading efforts to remove these chemicals.
• FDA's Response: Plans to ban BVO and review Red Dye No. 3. However, broader reforms are still needed.
• Advocacy for Funding: Groups are urging Congress to double the FDA's food safety budget for better oversight.

Bottom Line

These harmful additives are not essential and can be replaced with safer alternatives. Choosing additive-free options is better for health and aligns with evolving safety standards worldwide.

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