Latest news with #SenateBill25
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Snacks like M&M's, Skittles, and Doritos ‘Not recommended for human consumption' in US?
HighlightsTexas Senate Bill 25 proposes mandatory warning labels on processed food products like M&M's, Skittles, and Doritos, stating they are 'not recommended for human consumption' if they contain certain controversial additives. The proposed legislation, supported by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aims to enhance food transparency and protect public health by informing consumers about potentially harmful ingredients. Major corporations, including PepsiCo, Mondelez, Coca-Cola, Conagra Brands, and Walmart, have expressed opposition to the bill, arguing that it could create confusion among consumers and is based on foreign standards rather than U.S. regulations. 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 Post. Bill Targets Controversial Food Additives Titled 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 Post. Governor's Office Reviewing the Legislation With 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 Mahaleris. If 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 visibility. Food Industry Pushes Back The 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 argued. Walmart, 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.' Consumer Groups Warn of Confusion and Costs 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 foods. FAQs What is Senate Bill 25 in Texas? It's 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 Skittles. What would the warning label say? 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.'
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Snacks like M&M's, Skittles, and Doritos ‘Not recommended for human consumption' in US? Here's what the Texas Bill proposes
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 Post. Bill Targets Controversial Food Additives Titled 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 Post. Governor's Office Reviewing the Legislation With 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 Mahaleris. If 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 visibility. Food Industry Pushes Back The 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 argued. Walmart, 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.' Consumer Groups Warn of Confusion and Costs 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 foods. FAQs What is Senate Bill 25 in Texas? It's 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 Skittles. What would the warning label say? 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.'
Economic Times
a day 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.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Snacks like M&M's, Skittles, and Doritos ‘Not recommended for human consumption' in US? Here's what the Texas Bill proposes
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 Post. Bill Targets Controversial Food Additives Titled 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 Post. Governor's Office Reviewing the Legislation With 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 Mahaleris. If 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 visibility. Live Events Food Industry Pushes Back The 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 argued. Walmart, 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.' Consumer Groups Warn of Confusion and Costs 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 foods. FAQs What is Senate Bill 25 in Texas? It's 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 Skittles. What would the warning label say? 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.'
New York Post
2 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
M&M's, Skittles and Doritos could be labeled ‘not recommended for human consumption' in Texas
Popular snacks such as Skittles, M&M's and Doritos, and soft drinks like Mountain Dew could soon be labeled 'not recommended for human consumption' if lawmakers in Texas have their way. The Lone Star State's GOP-dominated legislature is moving forward with a bill that would require warning labels on foods sold in the state if they contain ingredients banned or restricted in other countries. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 25, is drawing national attention for targeting well-known snack items that include food dyes prohibited or flagged in regions such as the European Union. 4 Popular snacking items such as Doritos potato chips could be on the verge of being labeled 'not recommended for human consumption' in Texas. Getty Images While these substances are legal in the US, some have been banned or tightly regulated elsewhere due to health concerns. The proposed measure mandates that starting in 2027, manufacturers add clear labels that say,: '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.'. Supporters of the legislation include Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has made food labeling and ingredient transparency central to his 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative. 'We are committed to protecting public health by ensuring families know what's in their food,' Kennedy has said. 4 Texas' GOP-dominated legislature is moving forward with a bill that would require warning labels on foods and drinks such as Mountain Dew that are sold in the state if they contain ingredients banned or restricted in other countries. The image above shows Bryan Cranston in a Super Bowl commercial from 2020. AP Under Texas law, Abbott has 20 days following the end of the legislative session — which concluded Monday — to sign the measure. A spokesperson for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he would carefully review the bill. 'Gov. Abbott will continue to work with the legislature to ensure Texans have access to healthy foods to care for themselves and their families,' press secretary Andrew Mahaleris told Bloomberg News. The bill calls for the warning labels to be printed in a font size at least as large as the smallest type used for existing FDA-required information. The labels must also be placed in a location that is easy to see and designed with enough contrast to stand out on the packaging. A number of major food companies and retail giants, including PepsiCo, Mondelez, Coca-Cola, Conagra Brands and Walmart, expressed concern in a letter to Texas legislators dated May 19. 4 The bill, known as Senate Bill 25, is drawing national attention for targeting well-known snack items like Skittles. Getty Images In the letter, they called on lawmakers to reconsider the bill's scope and potential implications for everyday consumer products. 'As currently written, the food labeling provision in this bill casts an incredibly wide net — triggering warning labels on everyday grocery items based on assertions that foreign governments have banned such items, rather than on standards established by Texas regulators or by the US Food and Drug Administration,' the letter stated. Walmart, which was listed among the signatories, said it is closely following legislative developments that may impact its business and deferred further comment to the Texas Retailers Association. '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,' said Gary Huddleston, a grocery industry consultant with the association. Representatives for the companies named in the letter were not immediately available for comment. 4 Representatives for the food industry are urging Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to veto the proposed legislation. Jay Janner/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Other industry-based critics of the bill also argued that it imposes burdensome regulations and could result in consumer confusion. A coalition of food manufacturers and distributors sent a letter to the Texas legislature asking them to reconsider the warning label provision. 'As currently written, the food labeling provision in this bill casts an incredibly wide net — triggering warning labels on everyday grocery items based on assertions that foreign governments have banned such items,' the letter read. John Hewitt, a senior vice president with the Consumer Brands Association, has urged Abbott to veto the bill. 'The ingredients used in the US food supply are safe and have been rigorously studied following an objective science- and risk-based evaluation process,' Hewitt said in a statement. 'The labeling requirements of SB 25 mandate inaccurate warning language, create legal risks for brands and drive consumer confusion and higher costs.'
