Texas has passed a new law that will require warning labels on certain packaged foods starting in 2027. These labels will tell people if the food contains any of more than 40 additives or dyes that are not allowed in countries like Australia, Canada, the European Union, or the United Kingdom. The idea is to help people make healthier food choices and avoid ingredients that could be harmful.
Why Is This Law Important?
This is the first law in the U.S. to focus on food additives instead of sugar or fat. It could lead food companies to change their recipes, remove products from Texas stores, or even challenge the law in court. Supporters say it’s a step toward better health, especially for children, and that it reflects a growing interest in improving food safety in the U.S.
However, experts are pointing out that the law has some big problems. Nearly a dozen of the additives on the list are actually allowed in the same countries the law mentions. Others are already banned in the U.S., so putting a warning label on them doesn’t make much sense. For example, ingredients like Blue Dye No. 1 and BHA are approved in many countries. And things like Red Dye No. 3 and partially hydrogenated oils are already banned in the U.S. This has led experts to question how the list of additives was made.
Warnings Must Be Accurate
Consumer safety groups say that putting wrong or misleading warnings on food can be a legal problem. Thomas Galligan from the Center for Science in the Public Interest said that warnings have to be accurate in order to be legal. Some say the law may end up causing confusion or even lawsuits.
There are also concerns that some additives might not get labeled at all because of loopholes in the law. For example, an additive called azodicarbonamide (ADA), used to bleach flour, is on the Texas list. But under federal rules, it can be used safely in small amounts. That might mean it won’t need a warning label under the new law.
How Will This Affect You?
If you live in Texas, you might start seeing warning labels on chips, candies, and other snacks. This could help you avoid certain additives that have raised health concerns. But because the list has some errors, it’s unclear how useful or fair the labels will actually be. Texas is not alone. Other states are also passing laws to ban or label food dyes and additives. In 2023, California banned certain chemicals and dyes from food sold in schools. Arkansas and West Virginia passed similar laws this year.
A Shift in Food Policy
This law is part of a larger push by some leaders, including U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to improve the nation’s health through better food policies. Some big food companies are already removing artificial dyes on their own. Studies have shown that some dyes may cause hyperactivity and attention problems in children, though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says most children aren’t affected.
What Comes Next?
The new law also includes other health measures. It creates a state nutrition committee, adds more health education in schools, and requires nutrition training for medical professionals. Even though there are some concerns, many experts believe this law could lead to healthier eating habits. “This represents a big win for Texas consumers,” said Brian Ronholm from Consumer Reports. Still, the law may need changes to fix mistakes and avoid confusion.
Date – 28 June, 2025 Time – 10 AM to 5 PM Fee – Rs 1180
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