New Texas Law Mandates Warning Labels on Food Additives
DALLAS — Texas has recently signed into law a groundbreaking measure aimed at improving food safety. Under this new legislation, certain foods, such as chips and candies, will require warning labels if they contain dyes and additives that are banned or restricted in countries like Australia, Canada, the European Union, and the U.K. This law, which is part of a broader initiative endorsed by the Trump administration’s "Make America Healthy Again" campaign, reflects a significant shift in how food safety is approached in the United States.
Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, signed the law, which will take effect in 2027. The law identifies over 40 ingredients that will trigger the warning label, stating they are “not recommended for human consumption” in the specified countries. However, some experts are questioning the accuracy of the list, noting that nearly a dozen of the targeted additives are either approved or already restricted in the U.S.
The legislation has gained bipartisan support but has raised concerns about its potential legal challenges and misrepresentation of certain food ingredients. “Warnings must be accurate to be legal,” cautioned Thomas Galligan, a scientist from the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
One of the significant aspects of this law is that it sends a clear message to food manufacturers. They will now need to choose whether to reformulate products to avoid these labels, incorporate the necessary warnings, or even challenge the law in court.
The process of determining how the list of additives was created remains unclear. Questions directed to the bill’s author, Republican State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, have gone unanswered.
Regulatory practices vary between countries. While other nations take a more cautious approach, banning products when safety is uncertain, the U.S. typically allows items unless proven harmful. Some ingredients designated by Texas, including partially hydrogenated oils and specific food dyes, are already banned in the U.S.
Certain ingredients, such as Blue Dye No. 1 and Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), are permitted in all the named regions, leading experts to argue that the labeling may be misleading. Additionally, there are concerns that the legislation contains loopholes that could exempt certain ingredients from needing labels altogether.
Nutrition experts welcome the scrutiny of food additives, fearing their long-term health impacts. There is a push for transparency in ingredient labeling, and studies indicate that visible warnings can help consumers make healthier choices. The law also sets up a state nutrition advisory committee and aims to enhance nutrition education in schools and for medical professionals.
Texas is not alone in taking action against food additives. This year, several states, including California and Arkansas, have passed legislation aimed at banning harmful chemicals in food products, reflecting a growing trend of health-focused policies.
As the food industry adapts to these changes, it signals a transformation in America’s approach to health and nutrition, with more states stepping up to protect consumer welfare without waiting for federal intervention.
