California 1st to Ban Common Additives in Sweets Linked to Cancer, Behavioral Issues

The ban, which will go into effect in 2027, leads the U.S. in prohibiting ingredients allowed by the FDA but banned elsewhere.

Synthetic Red No. 3 dye can be found in many seasonal candies like candy corn. tab62/Shutterstock

California is moving to ban four food additives commonly found in fruit juices, candy, cookies, and other sweets, in a first for the United States.

As of Jan. 1, 2027, violators could face fines of up to $10,000 as part of a landmark law signed this month to purge brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and Red Dye No. 3 from the state’s food supply because of health concerns.

Why These 4 Additives Raised Red Flags

Brominated Vegetable Oil

Brominated vegetable oil is used in soda and other beverages to keep the citrus flavoring intact, according to the Mayo Clinic. In the short term, bromine can irritate the skin and the moist lining of the nose, mouth, lungs, and stomach.