The California Food Safety Act, A.B 418

The California legislature approved Assembly Bill 418 or the California Food Safety Act and now it is up to Governor Newsom to sign it or veto it by October 14, 2023. This bill follows the lead of several foreign countries including the EU which ban a long list of food additives. This will be the first ban of it’s kind in the US and would hopefully pave the way for other states to follow suit.

This bill would protect CA residences from foods containing 4 harmful contaminants:

1. Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
2. Potassium Bromate
3. Propylparaben
4. Red Dye 3

By extension, banning these ingredients in California is expected to have a ripple effect for food production across the country. California makes up about 14% of the US economy and thus selling one’s products there is paramount for most nationwide businesses. With this ban, companies would need to comply with this new law if they wanted to continue selling their products in California. This would be a big win for communities all over the US. Let's make it happen!

The Evnironmetal Working Group is calling for all residents of California to let Governor Newsom know that we want this bill to become law. Click here for the link to their Call to Action!!

For more information about the bill, click here!

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