This Halloween, kids will go door-to-door seeking treats. But according to California lawmakers, certain snacks shouldn’t get tossed into trick-or-treaters’ bags. That’s because they contain chemicals that could be harmful to your health.
Recently, California’s State Assembly considered a bill to ban five common food additives: titanium dioxide, red dye No. 3, propylparaben, potassium bromate, and brominated vegetable oil. These chemicals are often added to processed foods—like chips, candy, and other snacks—to enhance their flavor, freshness, or appearance. In the end, the lawmakers decided not to include titanium dioxide in the bill after all. As of press time, Governor Newsom had not signed the bill into law. But if he does, it will force manufacturers to stop using the other four ingredients in foods sold in California. This also would likely affect products sold throughout the U.S.
Some studies have linked all five chemicals to health problems like increased cancer risks and behavioral issues in kids. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the use of food additives. Critics of the bill cite that the chemicals meet the FDA’s safety standards. But those backing the bill believe the additives require more scrutiny. They point to Europe and other parts of the world that have long banned these chemicals, swapping them for additives deemed safer. The same could be done in the U.S., they say.
These additives aren’t the only potential problem with processed foods. Many often contain high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. It’s better to eat fewer processed foods in general, says environmental chemist Tasha Stoiber, and healthier to “eat mostly whole foods like fruits and vegetables.” Stoiber works at the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit that researches the safety of products. However, Stoiber also says that indulging in cake or candy is fine once in a while. “Those foods are part of celebrating!”