ALBANY, N.Y. – On January 15, New York Sen. Brian Kavanagh (D-District 27) and Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles (D-District 125) introduced a bill – the New York Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act – that would protect New Yorkers from toxic food chemicals. If enacted, it would ban or regulate use of nine harmful substances in the state.
The bill, S. 1239, would ban three chemicals – potassium bromate, propylparaben and Red Dye No. 3* – from food manufactured, distributed or sold in the Empire State.
It would also ban six food dyes from food sold and served in New York public schools: Red Dye No. 40, Blue Dye No. 1, Blue Dye No. 2, Green Dye No. 3, Yellow Dye No. 5 and Yellow Dye No. 6.
Companies would also be required to disclose new details about chemicals added to food without stringent review. If enacted, the law would follow two similar California laws – one banning or limiting use of six food dyes in public schools and the other prohibiting four harmful chemicals, including those in the New York bill, from food manufactured, delivered and sold in the state.
Other states have introduced or passed similar legislation. And the Food and Drug Administration just announced it will ban the use of Red 3 in food.
The following is a statement from Jessica Hernandez, policy director for government affairs at the Environmental Working Group:
This bill takes a vital step toward safeguarding New Yorkers from harmful chemicals in the food supply and sets a precedent for improving food safety nationwide. In the absence of robust federal action, states like New York must lead the way in protecting families from food additives linked to health risks.
We commend Sen. Kavanagh and Assemblymember Kelles for their leadership and commitment to protecting public health.
* The bill may be revised to reflect the recent federal ban on Red 3.
###
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
