Missouri and Illinois may ban ultra-processed food additives

Joe Millitzer
·1 min read

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Senate recently passed Senate Bill 2637, aimed at banning certain additives and chemicals in food products. Similar legislation may be proposed in Missouri.

The Illinois bill, which Senator Willie Preston introduced, targets additives such as titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye No. 3 that are present in commonplace items like candies, sodas, and snack foods.

Consumer advocacy groups highlight the presence of these chemicals in popular products like Mountain Dew, packaged breads, and some candies like Skittles. The bill also proposes further studies on the health impacts of other common additives such as BHA and BHT.

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The Illinois legislation mandates that food manufacturers and distributors phase out these chemicals and find safer alternatives by January 1, 2028. It sets penalties for non-compliance and has sparked significant opposition from the Illinois Manufacturers Association and the National Confectioners Association. These groups argue that such state-level regulations contradict federal oversight by the FDA, leading to inconsistent standards that could confuse consumers and increase food costs.

This type of ban was recently enacted in California. There are also laws banning many of these additives in Europe. The Illinois bill now moves to the House for further consideration. The Missouri bill is expected to be proposed this summer.

Summary of the Missouri bill:

“Beginning January 1, 2027, this bill prohibits any person or entity from manufacturing, selling, delivering, distributing , holding, or offing for sale a food product that contains brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, or red dye 3. Anyone who violates the prohibition is liable for a civil penalty of up to $5000 for a first violation or $10,000 for subsequent violations.”

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