Illinois Looking to Ban ‘Harmful Food Chemicals’ in Many Snacks

The state of Illinois is doing something that several other states have started. That's the quest to eliminate what they term 'harmful food chemicals' that are featured in many popular snacks. That quest is about to take on an official effort in Illinois.

Get our free mobile app

This press release from the Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias says that Secretary Giannoulias, Sen. Preston and Rep. Stava-Murray will be teaming up with medical experts at a press conference on Tuesday, January 23 to announce the Food Safety Act.

What is the Illinois Food Safety Act and what will it ban?

The press release said the effort about to be announced "which would prohibit the use of five harmful chemicals in candy, soda and other ultra-processed, packaged foods sold in Illinois". If modeled after the California law, it would ban "Red Dye No. 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil and propylparaben".

What snacks in Illinois would be affected?

The University of Rhode Island says Red Dye No. 3 is "an artificial food coloring used in some pink and red confections, baked goods, candies, frostings, icings, cereals, and beverages".

Bromated vegetable oil is used in some sports drinks and sodas.

Potassium bromate is used in some flours.

Propyl paraben increases the shelf life of some baked goods.

Hartford Health Care says especially Red Dye No. 3 would include many snacks including "sodas, snacks, frosting, soft candy and gummies" just to name a few.

Here's the official statement the Illinois Secretary of State just released:

“Our goal with this legislation is to create a healthier marketplace for Illinois families,” Giannoulias said. “The purpose of this legislation isn’t to ban any products or take food off shelves; it’s to ensure food manufacturers update recipes to use alternative, safer ingredients that are already used in other places around the world, including soon in other parts of the U.S.”