Thousands of popular snacks could be banned due to ingredients that are linked to cancer as bills continue to advance in multiple states, the Daily Mail reports.
New York, Pennsylvania and Illinois have advanced measures to outlaw 13 total additives following the historic 'Skittles ban' -- which outlawed brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben and Red 3 additives linked to cancer and fertility issues -- all of which are already prohibited in multiple European countries due to suspected health risks. New Jersey and Missouri are also reportedly considering similar bans to additives suspected to cause serious health risks.
The additives targeted are included below:
- Yellow 6- linked to adrenal tumors (found in Lucky Charms, Trix, Froot Loops)
- Yellow 5, Yellow 6- can reportedly cause DNA mutations in white blood cells (Doritos, Ruffles, Cheetos)
- Titanium Dioxide- linked to lung cancer (cupcakes)
- Blue 1- reported concerns of causing kidney tumors (Oreos)
- Red 40- products must carry warning label in Europe, contains benzene, which is linked to blood cancers, possible (Duncan Hines 'Perfectly Moist' cake mix and icing, Pillsbury 'Funfetti' cake mix, various candies including Skittles, Sour Patch Kids and M&M's)
- Food dyes- linked to cancer and hyperactivity (Gatorade and Pedialyte)
- Yellow 5- Can cause cancer cells can grow faster upon exposure (Tostitos queso, Doritos 'Dip.'
The potential bans would force companies to remove the additives from their ingredients, which would force a drastic change to the look, taste and texture of various popular snacks.