A recent law signed by Texas Governor Gregg Abbott is creating a stir across the country, especially in the food industry. This new law requires food manufacturers to clearly label certain food additives on packaging.
The labels must be visible and easy to read, warning consumers that the product contains ingredients that are not recommended in other countries such as Australia, Canada, the European Union, or the United Kingdom.
These additives include artificial dyes, certain enzymes, molecularly altered oils, and other chemicals that may be banned elsewhere.
What Does the New Law Require?
The law, part of a broader initiative called “Make Texas Healthy Again,” mandates that food products contain a specific warning. The label will 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.”
This rule applies to 44 different food additives, including some that have raised concerns about their safety.
This move comes as part of Texas’ ongoing efforts to address health and nutrition issues in the state. Experts believe that the law could have far-reaching effects beyond Texas, potentially influencing food labeling practices nationwide.
Jennifer L. Falbe, an associate professor at UC Davis, notes that such policies in a large state like Texas could lead to significant changes across the country, especially if manufacturers choose to adopt new labeling standards for all markets.
Potential Impact on the Food Industry
Although the law applies to products sold in Texas, there is a chance that food manufacturers could use these labels on products sold in other states as well.
Scott Faber, a representative from the Environmental Working Group, emphasized that a law in a state as large as Texas could reshape how food companies approach labeling and manufacturing across the U.S.
However, the law may not take effect immediately. The requirement will only apply to products labeled or copyrighted after January 1, 2027. Additionally, if the federal government passes its own food labeling laws before that date, Texas’ law may no longer be relevant.
Issues with the Law
Despite the potential benefits, there are concerns about the accuracy of the law. Some of the additives on the list are actually allowed in countries like Australia, Canada, and the European Union, even though the labels suggest they are not.
Moreover, several of the additives are already banned in the U.S., making the warning potentially misleading. Thomas Galligan, a scientist with the Center for Science in the Public Interest, pointed out that warning labels need to be accurate to be legally valid.
Moreover, experts like Jennifer Falbe suggest that this law may not be enough to drive significant changes in the food industry. Even if food manufacturers remove certain additives from their products, the overall nutritional value may not improve.
For example, a sugary soda could have its coloring replaced with a different ingredient, but it would still contain high levels of sugar and contribute to health issues like obesity and diabetes.
Moving Forward: The Need for Better Labels
Despite these issues, experts agree that clearer labeling could help consumers make healthier choices. Falbe’s research shows that better front-of-package labels, highlighting key information like added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats, can help consumers understand what they are eating and make more informed decisions.
She believes the federal government should encourage food manufacturers to include these kinds of labels to further promote public health.
The Texas law might just be a step toward a bigger conversation about food labeling in the U.S., and it will be interesting to see how it influences the industry as the 2027 deadline approaches.
