The state of Texas has taken a bold step in the realm of food labeling by passing a law that requires certain packaged food products to carry warning labels. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed this law, which mandates that snacks and other food items containing ingredients “not recommended for human consumption” in other countries must display this information on their packaging.
The law specifically targets over 40 ingredients, including food dyes and additives commonly used in food processing for various purposes such as texture, taste, and shelf life. It applies to food labels developed or copyrighted on or after January 1, 2027. However, the effectiveness of this law could be influenced by federal action, as the FDA could potentially overturn aspects of it and institute its own labeling requirements.
This move by Texas aligns with a larger movement towards healthier food options, as advocated by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy has urged the food industry to voluntarily remove artificial colors from their products by the end of 2026, with major companies like Kraft Heinz and PepsiCo already signaling their intent to comply. Other states, such as West Virginia, have gone a step further by outright banning the sale of food products containing seven artificial dyes.
While the intention behind the Texas law is to promote transparency and improve consumer health, the food industry has raised concerns about the unnecessary nature of these warning labels. They argue that the ingredients targeted by the law have been thoroughly studied for safety and that the labels could potentially increase costs for manufacturers. Additionally, some ingredients included in the law, like ficin and sodium hydroxide, are approved for use worldwide but are subject to the Texas legislation.
Christina Barsa, Vice President of biotech company Enzyme Development Corporation, expressed her concerns about the law in a LinkedIn post, stating that it could mislead consumers and provide inaccurate information. She believes that the legislation may cause confusion and distrust without truly achieving its goal of transparency.
Overall, the Texas law on food warning labels raises important questions about the balance between consumer information, industry practices, and public health. As the implementation of this law unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on food products and consumer behavior.
