California to Ban Certain Candies Containing Harmful Substances from 2027

Governor Gavin Newsom of California has signed bill AB 418, known as The California Food Safety Act, which will take effect on January 1, 2027. 

This legislation aims to ban food products containing specific harmful substances.

The bill’s primary targets include food products that contain brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye 3. 

This ban will impact candies, including Skittles, PEZ, Hot Tamales, and Dubble Bubble gum.

Prohibited Activities:

According to the Legislative Counsel’s Digest, The California Food Safety Act states that “a person or entity shall not simulate, sell, hold, deliver, distribute, or offer for sale, in commerce, a food product for human consumption” that contains these specified substances.

The bill outlines penalties for violations, with a civil penalty not exceeding $5,000 for a first violation and not exceeding $10,000 for each subsequent violation. 

These penalties can be enforced through actions brought by the Attorney General, a city attorney, a national counsel, or a district attorney.

Clarification from the Governor’s Office:

Governor Newsom’s office clarified that there have been misconceptions about the bill’s impact, emphasizing that certain candies, like Skittles, are still available in places such as the European Union, which already bans several chemical additives and colorants. 

The statement underscores that the food industry can comply with different public health laws, country to country while maintaining product lines.

The signing of The California Food Safety Act reflects the state’s commitment to public health and safety by restricting the use of specific substances in food products. 

This move aligns with broader efforts to protect consumers from potentially harmful ingredients in their food.

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