Is California banning Skittles, Hot Tamales, and other candies? The proposed bill, explained

Snack lovers across California could have their favorite items taken away after a new state bill proposes to ban the sale of Skittles, Hot Tamales candy, Dubble Bubble Twist Gum, and other food products containing chemicals that supporters of the legislation say are toxic and harmful to consumers.

Described as the first in the nation, AB 418 requested that California stop manufacturing, selling, or distributing foods that contain Red Dye No. 3, Titanium Dioxide, Potassium Bromate, Brominated Vegetable Oil, or Propyl Paraben. It’s best to note that the additives mentioned have already been banned in the European Union (EU) after they were proven to pose significant public health concerns, including increased risk of cancer, behavioral issues in children, harm to women’s reproductive system, and damage to the immune system.

The bill was introduced by Assembly members Buffy Wicks and Jesse Gabriel, who argued in a news release that “Californians shouldn’t have to worry that the food they buy in their neighborhood grocery store might be full of dangerous additives or toxic chemicals.” Gabriel added, “This bill will correct for a concerning lack of federal oversight and help protect our kids, public health, and the safety of our food supply.”

Although many of the chemicals in the bill may not sound familiar, they’re often used in everyday products like cupcakes, trail mix, and popular ice cream brands, Label Insights revealed. For example, in 2022, Skittles was sued after their colorful candy was accused of being “unfit for human consumption” because it contained a “known toxin.”

However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration insisted that the regulated use of titanium dioxide, specifically as a color additive in food, was safe under certain restrictions. Gabriel alleged that “Many of the chemicals that would be banned have never been independently reviewed by the FDA or re-evaluated in decades” and instead have loopholed their way to consumption through the organization’s “Generally Recognized as Safe” law or GRAS designation.

KLFY reported that AB-318 was double referred, meaning it would be heard by the Assembly’s Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee (ESTM) first and, if passed, would head to the Assembly’s Health Committee. So far, there is no hearing date set.