California to Ban Ingredients Used In Skittles And Other Candy

Certain foods contain specific ingredients that may not be ideal for our long-term health. These food additives are typically used to enhance a product's flavor, appearance, or texture. They can also prolong its shelf life. While some substances have been linked to adverse health effects and should be avoided, others are considered safe and can be consumed with minimal risk. Starting in 2027, California will officially prohibit the sale of Skittles and other candies within the state. Governor Gavin Newsom has signed bill AB 418, also known as The California Food Safety Act.

Effective January 1, 2027, the legislation focuses on food products that include brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, or red dye 3. Red dye 3 is present in Skittles and other sweets like PEZ, Hot Tamales, and Dubble Bubble gum, while brominated vegetable oil is typically found in citrus soft drinks.

The California Food Safety Act states that "a person or entity shall not manufacture, sell, deliver, distribute, hold, or offer for sale, in commerce a food product for human consumption" that contains the substances listed above. It also outlines penalties for violations, with a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for a first offense. For subsequent offenses, up to $10,000, as enforced by the Attorney General, city attorney, county counsel, or district attorney.

Governor Newsom's office issued a statement following the bill's signing, addressing some of the misconceptions surrounding it. "There have been many misconceptions about this bill and its impacts. For example, attached to this message is a bag of the popular candy Skittles, which became the face of this proposal." It continued, "This particular bag of candy comes from the European Union – a place that already bans a number of chemical additives and colorants." He went on to state that this is demonstrable proof that the food industry is capable of maintaining product lines while complying with different public health laws, country to country.

In response to the bill, the National Confectioners Association voiced its objections. "They’re making decisions based on soundbites rather than science. Governor Newsom's approval of this bill will undermine consumer confidence and create confusion around food safety," they said. They continued to state that this law replaces a uniform national food safety system with a patchwork of inconsistent state requirements created by legislative fiat that will increase food costs. "This is a slippery slope that the FDA could prevent by engaging on this important topic. We should be relying on the scientific rigor of the FDA in terms of evaluating the safety of food ingredients and additives," they added.

Halloween is the time of year when spookiness takes center stage, and creative costumes rule the streets. It’s also the day of the beloved tradition, trick-or-treating. Whether you're a kid dreaming of a candy jackpot or an adult admiring the neighborhood's costume creativity while handing out treats, it's a highlight of the year.

However, you'll always find that one neighbor who likes to shake things up by handing out something other than candy. It's not always a bad thing, though. Some people do it for a good reason, like considering kids with dietary restrictions. But if you're considering going outside the box, you should avoid certain trick-or-treat handouts.

Let's talk about the Halloween horrors, the stuff no one wants in their trick-or-treat bag. First on the list are those infamous toothbrushes or dental floss packs. Halloween is the one night a year when kids can indulge in a sugar frenzy, and suddenly, you're handed a dental hygiene product. It's like being told to eat your veggies at a birthday party. Then there are the homemade treats. While some homemade goodies can be delicious, receiving unlabeled, homemade treats can make even the bravest trick-or-treater think twice; also, most parent's won't feel comfortable with that and may dispose of them. All of your hard work will go to waste! Safety is paramount on Halloween, and unwrapped or unlabeled edibles can raise concerns.

Another item to avoid is pennies. They're not even worth the trip to the store, and they make you question if you've accidentally stumbled into a time machine back to the 1950s. If you’re going to give out money on Halloween, make it worthwhile if you can swing it. While Halloween is all about surprises, pennies are definitely not the kind of surprises anyone hopes for.

Take a look at some of the worst trick-or-treat handouts for Halloween.

Keychains are handy, but they're not exactly the kind of treasure kids hope to find in their candy haul. They want stuff that's sweet, not stuff for keys they don't have. Save yourself some money and pass on key chains.

We all know cleanliness is important, but getting soap, shampoo, or hand sanitizer in your treat bag on Halloween is not what kids look forward to. It's a treat, not a trip to the pharmacy. It's like getting socks for Christmas. While practical, it's not exactly exciting.

Coins may have been an acceptable treat decades ago, but nowadays, they're seen as disappointing. Kids prefer candy. Or maybe small toys (if they're exciting/cool enough). Unless, you're giving away the big bucks, steer clear of this one.

Healthy snacks are great, but Halloween is all about the sugar rush. Kids aren't exactly thrilled to find a mix of fruit and nuts in their bag. They're hoping for chocolates and gummies, not something they associate with after-school snacks.

Adults may appreciate coupons for discounts at local businesses, but they don't make for a fun Halloween treat for kids. Saving money is cool, but Halloween is all about instant gratification. And coupons for discounts don't really make the cut.

Halloween is not the time to distribute religious or informational materials. Kids are looking for fun and treats, not pamphlets. Consider giving those away another day that's not Halloween.

Halloween is all about the candy, right? So, if you toss a toothbrush or dental floss into a kid's stash of treats, you're basically inviting disappointment. Plus, it's safe to assume that the trick-or-treater already has a toothbrush. Do they truly need another one?

Throwing unwrapped candy into a plastic pumpkin? That's just asking for a sticky mess. Plus, it's not the cleanest option. And given the concerns these days, it's just another worry for parents who fear someone might mess with their child's candy.

Those fancy homemade snacks that look like they came straight from Pinterest can be cute, but if you don't really know the kids or their parents, they might wonder about your intentions. Sticking to pre-packaged treats is your best bet on Halloween, especially if you're trying to keep trick-or-treating simple and sanitary.