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Economic Times
15 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Snacks like M&M's, Skittles, and Doritos ‘Not recommended for human consumption' in US? Here's what the Texas Bill proposes
Bill Targets Controversial Food Additives Governor's Office Reviewing the Legislation Live Events Food Industry Pushes Back Consumer Groups Warn of Confusion and Costs FAQs What is Senate Bill 25 in Texas? What would the warning label say? (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel A new legislative move in Texas has ignited nationwide debate as the state's GOP-majority legislature advances a bill requiring warning labels on various processed food products, including popular snacks such as M&M's, Skittles, and Doritos. The proposed labels would declare these items as 'not recommended for human consumption' if they contain additives restricted or banned in countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, or the European Union, as per a report by the New York Senate Bill 25 , the measure mandates that beginning in 2027, any food or beverage product sold in Texas containing synthetic dyes, bleached flour, or other controversial ingredients must carry a clearly visible warning label. The label would read: 'WARNING: This product contains an ingredient that is not recommended for human consumption by the appropriate authority in Australia, Canada, the European Union, or the United Kingdom.'The legislation is part of a broader initiative supported by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has made food transparency a cornerstone of his 'Make America Healthy Again' campaign. 'We are committed to protecting public health by ensuring families know what's in their food,' Kennedy stated earlier, as mentioned in a report by the New York the legislative session having concluded on Monday, Governor Greg Abbott now has 20 days to sign or veto the measure. A spokesperson from the Governor's office said that Abbott is carefully examining the implications of the bill. 'Governor Abbott will continue to work with the legislature to ensure Texans have access to healthy foods to care for themselves and their families,' said press secretary Andrew enacted, the bill would require warning labels to be printed at a font size no smaller than the smallest existing FDA-mandated text on packaging. It also calls for the label to be prominently displayed with sufficient contrast for proposed labeling rule has met resistance from major corporations. In a joint letter dated May 19, industry leaders including PepsiCo, Mondelez, Coca-Cola, Conagra Brands, and Walmart urged Texas lawmakers to reconsider the bill, citing its sweeping scope and potential confusion for consumers.'The food labeling provision in this bill casts an incredibly wide net — triggering warning labels on everyday grocery items based on foreign standards, not on regulations from Texas authorities or the U.S. FDA,' the letter which was among the signatories, issued a statement saying it is closely tracking legislative developments and deferred further comment to the Texas Retailers Association, which also contributed input during bill discussions.A consultant representing the retail association noted, 'Texas retailers and our members including Walmart worked hard on this bill, made some changes, and we'll see how it develops over the next 20 days.'Industry experts and advocacy groups warn the proposed law could bring unintended consequences. John Hewitt, senior vice president of the Consumer Brands Association, has called for Governor Abbott to veto the measure. 'The ingredients used in the U.S. food supply are safe and have been rigorously evaluated,' Hewitt said. 'This legislation could result in inaccurate warning language, legal risks, and unnecessary alarm among consumers.'As the state awaits Abbott's decision, the future of household snack names like Skittles, M&M's, and Doritos in Texas grocery aisles remains uncertain. If passed, Texas would become the first U.S. state to mandate such foreign-comparison warning labels on processed a proposed law that mandates warning labels on foods containing additives banned or restricted in the UK, EU, Canada, or Australia, targeting products like M&M's, Doritos, and label would read: 'WARNING: This product contains an ingredient that is not recommended for human consumption by the appropriate authority in Australia, Canada, the European Union, or the United Kingdom.'
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Governor Stitt names Interim Commissioner of ODMHSAS
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Governor Kevin Stitt has named an Interim Commissioner of Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS). According to the Governor's Office, retired Rear Admiral Gregory Slavonic has been chosen after the Senate and House voted to remove former commissioner Allie Friesen following various budget issues. RELATED STORY: Oklahoma lawmakers override record number of vetoes, remove Stitt appointee in dramatic end to legislative session 'It is no secret that the Department of Mental Health has long been in need of reform,' said Gov. Stitt. 'It is imperative that Admiral Slavonic is allowed to do the hard work needed to remove corruption and conflicts of interest without political interference. There are brighter days ahead for this department and those that rely on its services. I'm grateful to Admiral Slavonic for his willingness to set another Oklahoma agency on the right course.' Officials say Admiral Slavonic has served as director for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs under Stitt. RELATED STORY: Senate votes to remove ODMHSAS Commissioner Allie Friesen, will now go through the House 'I'm grateful that Governor Stitt is so keenly focused on rooting out corruption and ensuring that government is working first and foremost for the citizens we are tasked with serving,' said Admiral Slavonic. 'The Department of Mental Health brings much needed services to many Oklahomans, and I look forward to ensuring that they have the tools needed to provide those services. I thank Governor Stitt for trusting me with this effort.' According to the Governor's Office, President Trump previously appointed Slavonic to serve as assistant secretary of the Navy for manpower and reserve affairs. He has also served as deputy and principal assistant to the Secretary of the Navy and as chief operating officer and chief management officer for the Department of the Navy. He served in the U.S. Navy for 34 years. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Meet the Massachusetts teen who made history as youngest male judge in the US at 16: ‘People have trouble believing'
In a historic achievement that has inspired many, a teenager from Hingham, Massachusetts, became the youngest male judge in the United States. At just 16 years and three days old, Henry Buckley was sworn in as a Justice of the Peace, serving alongside officials more than twice his age, reported Guinness World Records. 'People still have trouble believing me when I tell them that I was a Justice of the Peace, which is understandable,' Henry told Guinness World Records. The high school student, passionate about public service, was not deterred by his age. Henry had been politically inclined from an early age, influenced by his grandfather, a well-known attorney active in Massachusetts politics. His other major inspiration came from television. 'In the show, the main character, Andy Taylor, is the town's beloved Sheriff and Justice of the Peace, and I wanted to play a similar role in my town, Hingham,' he shared, referring to The Andy Griffith Show. Though the journey to becoming a Justice of the Peace is complex, Massachusetts law places no age restriction on the position. Candidates must simply be registered voters and residents of the commonwealth, and a vacancy must exist. Henry met all the requirements, and after a detailed process, his appointment was confirmed. 'After getting four signatures on an application and a reference letter from a member of my community, I submitted my application to the Governor's Office where it would be vetted,' he said. 'Governor Maura T. Healey then nominated me, and my application was sent to the Governor's Council where I was unanimously confirmed. After I received my commission, I was sworn in and formally became a Justice of the Peace.' Justice of the Peace appointees typically serve for seven years, performing a range of duties such as notarizing documents, conducting marriages, taking depositions, and even maintaining public order if required. 'Although I was never called upon to take bail or hear criminal complaints, it was within my purview,' Henry explained. 'I did, however, notarize documents and helped to publish a JP handbook that is used statewide. Since a JP is a type of law enforcement officer, called a 'conservator of the peace', I was legally bound to enforce public peace laws, but I was never put in a situation that required me to 'keep the peace'.' His commitment extended beyond administrative tasks. Henry testified before the Massachusetts legislature on youth voting rights and mental health reform, issues he deeply cares about. Also read: CEO shares deceptively simple interview question he's asked for 15 years: 'Apple or Android?' Though he stepped down from his role in February to explore other public service avenues, Henry remains dedicated to his community and aims to attend law school. 'Being a Justice of the Peace means that you're a leading figure in your community. The title comes with weight and that influence can be used to harness meaningful change,' he said. 'As a young person, I was able to prove that we, the up and coming generation, can do anything.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Governor travels to Alaska to attend energy summit, meet with federal officials
Jun. 2—SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is racking up frequent flier miles, as she departed Sunday for a three-day energy summit in Alaska. The governor, who led a two-week trade mission to Japan and Singapore in April, will meet with top Trump administration officials while attending the sustainable energy conference in Anchorage. Specifically, she plans to meet with Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin about possible partnerships between the federal government and New Mexico, according to the Governor's Office. "New Mexico's thriving economy is powered by our leadership in advanced energy and manufacturing," Lujan Grisham said in a statement, citing New Mexico's efforts in the areas of geothermal and hydrogen energy, along with steps aimed at reducing carbon emissions. The state recently passed North Dakota to become the second-highest oil-producing state in the country — behind only Texas — and is also a major exporter of natural gas. In recent interviews, the governor has made it clear she intends to forge relationships with Trump administration officials when possible, even while criticizing Republican-backed plans to trim spending on Medicaid and other programs. While in Alaska, the governor will lead a delegation that also includes state Economic Development Secretary Rob Black, Environment Secretary James Kenney and Caroline Buerkle, the deputy chief of operations for the Governor's Office. As an official state trip, the delegation's travel costs will be paid for by taxpayer dollars, said Lujan Grisham spokeswoman Jodi McGinnis Porter. The fourth annual Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference will also feature speeches by officials from several national laboratories, including both Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories, according to the conference's website. Per the state Constitution, Lt. Gov. Howie Morales will serve as acting governor until Lujan Grisham returns to New Mexico on Wednesday.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
New Jersey asks appellate court to deny school desegregation case appeal
Nonprofits and a group of public school parents argue that the state's school system is unconstitutionally segregated. (Courtesy of the New Jersey Governor's Office) Attorneys for the state of New Jersey want an appellate court to deny a request by nonprofit groups and several public school families who want the court to hear their case that New Jersey schools are unconstitutionally segregated along racial and socioeconomic lines. In a 46-page brief filed last week, the state's attorneys argue that it is premature for the appellate division to hear the case because a trial judge overseeing the dispute has not issued a final order. The record before the trial judge is too limited, and an appellate court weighing in now would result in 'piecemeal review,' the state argues. 'There is no grave damage or injustice necessitating immediate appellate review,' the state said. The case, filed in 2018 by Latino Action Network and the statewide NAACP, among others, alleges that school district boundaries tied to municipalities exacerbate de facto segregation across schools. They cited a UCLA study that found New Jersey had the seventh most segregated school system, with nearly half of all Black and Latino students in New Jersey attending schools that are more than 90% non-white, schools that are often mere blocks from predominately white districts. The plaintiffs note that the state has a constitutional duty to provide students with a 'thorough and efficient' education. In October 2023, a state superior court judge ruled that the plaintiffs demonstrated a 'marked and persistent racial imbalance' in public schools, but said the lack of data did not prove their sweeping claim that the system is 'unconstitutionally segregated because of race or ethnicity.' He declined the plaintiffs' request for an immediate ruling. The plaintiffs appealed. In Wednesday's filing, the state criticizes the plaintiffs for failing to show what desegregation would look like or offering any 'practical solution.' The state's recent filing came one day after the New Jersey Policy Institute, a nonprofit think tank that supports school choice, filed a 20-page motion in the case arguing in favor of expanding a state program that allows students to attend schools outside of their hometowns. Enrollment in the program has been virtually frozen since 2015. Lifting that freeze would be a cost-effective way to increase racial diversity and would not require any significant additional administration, they said, adding that districts could be incentivized to participate. The program offers a 'ready-made solution that can be implemented almost immediately,' according to the institute, which says more than 2,000 students are currently on waitlists. And school choice expansion could help integrate schools more quickly than redistricting, according to the brief. 'The state has already built the infrastructure. All that's left is to unfreeze it,' the brief states. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
