A new food labeling bill introduced in Texas could soon require warning labels on products that contain certain food additives already banned in countries like Canada and the European Union. This groundbreaking proposal could impact some of America’s most-loved snacks—including Doritos, Oreo cookies, and other ultra-processed food items.
If passed, the legislation would make Texas the latest state to take a stand against ingredients that international health agencies deem unsafe. Food giants may have to reformulate or clearly label their products to stay on shelves in the Lone Star State.
For more updates and expert opinion on U.S. food regulations, check out this FDA guideline on food labeling.
What Does the Texas Food Labeling Bill Say?
The bill, officially titled the “Texas Food Safety and Transparency Act,” targets additives that are already banned in major developed countries but still permitted in the United States. These include:
- Titanium dioxide (used in candies like Skittles)
- Brominated vegetable oil (found in some citrus-flavored sodas)
- Potassium bromate (used in some breads and baked goods)
- Propylparaben (a preservative used in baked snacks)
- Red Dye No. 3 (used in cereals and candies)
The bill requires products containing any of these additives to have a clearly visible warning label stating:
“This product contains additives banned in other countries due to potential health risks.”
Retailers and food manufacturers who fail to comply could face hefty fines or even a ban on selling their products in the state.
Why the Additives Are a Concern
Many of the targeted additives have been linked to health issues, including:
- Hormone disruption
- Behavioral problems in children
- Cancer risks
- DNA damage (as in the case of titanium dioxide)
The European Food Safety Authority has banned or strictly limited these chemicals after years of research. Similarly, Health Canada has also placed restrictions on certain additives to protect consumers.
Despite these global concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still allows their use, citing insufficient evidence to prove they’re unsafe at typical consumption levels.
How Could It Impact Big Brands?
This bill could push companies like PepsiCo (owner of Doritos) and Mondelez International (owner of Oreos) to change their recipes—at least for products sold in Texas. Reformulating these iconic snacks is not new. Many food giants have already modified their ingredients for the EU market, where these chemicals are banned.
For example, McDonald’s fries in the U.S. and the U.K. taste different because of ingredient restrictions in the U.K. market. Companies could adopt similar changes in Texas to avoid placing scary warning labels on packaging.
To explore how big food brands are adapting to global standards, read more at Food Business News.
Public and Industry Reactions
The proposed legislation has drawn both praise and criticism.
Supporters argue that consumers deserve to know what they are eating.
“Just because something is legal doesn’t mean it’s safe,” said Rep. Mary González, one of the bill’s sponsors. “Texans should have the right to be informed, especially when it comes to additives banned elsewhere for safety reasons.”
Critics, mainly from the food industry, claim the bill is anti-business and could create unnecessary panic among consumers. The Texas Food and Beverage Association argues that the FDA already regulates food safety adequately and that state-level rules could complicate distribution and production.
Texas Follows California’s Lead
If this bill sounds familiar, it’s because California passed a similar law in 2023 that bans the sale of food with certain dangerous additives. Texas, often seen as a business-friendly state, adopting such a policy would signal a major shift toward consumer health-first food regulation.
The Texas bill stops short of banning the additives outright. Instead, it relies on transparency—warning labels—to allow consumers to make their own choices.
For details on California’s precedent-setting bill, see this NBC News article.
What It Means for Consumers
If the bill passes, Texans may start seeing new warning labels in grocery stores by 2026, giving manufacturers enough time to update formulas or redesign packaging.
This could also have a ripple effect across the country. Big food companies rarely reformulate products for just one state. So, Texas’ move may encourage nationwide changes or at least influence consumer preferences in other regions.
You might want to start checking your snack labels now. Popular items like:
- Doritos Nacho Cheese
- Skittles
- Hostess Cupcakes
- Little Debbie snacks
- Mountain Dew
… could soon come with cautionary warnings, if they continue to include the listed additives.
Final Thoughts
The Texas Food Labeling Bill represents a significant push for more transparency and health awareness in the American food system. With international pressure and rising consumer concerns, more states may join Texas and California in challenging what’s allowed in our food.
Whether it leads to widespread reform or sparks industry backlash, this is a story every snack lover should follow.
Stay updated on this and other legislative food developments via U.S. Food Policy Blog.
Also Read – Sam’s Club Just Dropped the Perfect Summer Sundae
