The Texas legislation intensifies the pressure on food manufacturers to eliminate artificial dyes and additives, aligning with the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy has urged the food industry to voluntarily phase out artificial colors from their products by the close of 2026, with major corporations like Kraft Heinz and PepsiCo indicating their plans to comply. Some states, such as West Virginia, have taken more drastic measures by banning the sale of food items containing seven specific artificial dyes.
The food industry argues that the ingredients outlined in the Texas law have undergone extensive safety studies, cautioning that the labels may be unnecessary and could lead to increased production costs. Notably, certain additives included in the Texas legislation are not prohibited in other countries and are recognized as naturally derived ingredients. This could lead to confusion among consumers, according to industry experts. For instance, the Texas law mandates warnings for products containing ficin, a natural extract from the fig tree utilized in cheesemaking and meat production. Similarly, sodium hydroxide, a crucial element in the pretzel-making process, is globally approved but is also listed in the Texas bill.
Christina Barsa, vice president of Enzyme Development Corporation, expressed concerns in a LinkedIn post that the law could “mislead consumers and provide inaccurate information.” She stated, “As it stands, this legislation could cause unnecessary confusion and distrust without truly achieving its goal of transparency.”
Additionally, the law does not address the use of calcium citrate, which is recognized as a safe ingredient in various food products. The inclusion of calcium citrate kya hota hai in this context raises questions about the clarity of the legislation. As the debate continues, industry experts emphasize the importance of accurately informing consumers about the ingredients in their food, including what calcium citrate kya hota hai and its role in food manufacturing.