In a concerning move, several states in the US are considering bans on the use of cancer-causing chemicals in popular snacks, candies, and beverages. Some of the affected foods include beloved cereals like Lucky Charms and Froot Loops, as well as candies such as Skittles, Nerds, M&M's, Swedish Fish, and snacks like Flamin' Hot Cheetos and Doritos. Even sports drinks like Gatorade may not be exempt.

The chemicals in question are already banned in most European countries due to their potential health risks. One example is the Skittles Ban, passed by California in October, which targeted brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye No. 3. These substances have been shown to be potentially carcinogenic and can cause kidney issues in humans. Another chemical, brominated vegetable oil, previously used in Mountain Dew, has a toxic impact on the thyroid.

Following California's lead, lawmakers in New York have recently introduced two bills aimed at protecting residents from toxic chemicals in food. These proposed bills would ban the aforementioned four chemicals along with titanium dioxide, BHA, and azodicarbonamide (ADA), which is commonly found in certain bread products. Pennsylvania politicians are also calling for bans on colorings such as Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and Blue 2. Illinois, New Jersey, and Missouri are also considering similar bans on specific food additives.

These chemicals have been associated with various health concerns, including an increased risk of hyperactivity and behavioral problems in children, higher cancer risks, DNA damage, and harm to the nervous system. A recent review conducted by the California Environmental Protection Agency revealed a link between food dyes and adverse behaviors, potentially tied to the impact of these dyes on dopamine levels in the brain. Additionally, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Red 40 have been found to contain benzene, a substance linked to certain cancers.

In response to the identified risks, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a federal ban on the use of brominated vegetable oil due to its potential to harm the nervous system. Furthermore, California is also aiming to ban Green 3, a chemical associated with hyperactivity.

However, it is important to note that these bans are not intended to outright prohibit the sale of these food items but rather incentivize companies to adjust their recipes. The goal is to urge manufacturers to remove the identified chemicals from their products in order to protect consumers.

"While you combine the fact that they are linked to certain types of cancers [and] linked to behavioral difficulties, it really highlights the point that these are things that don't belong in food because of the increased risk that it presents. That is the crux of the bill," stated Brian Ronholm, director of food safety at Consumer Reports.

While some states are actively pushing for bans on these additives, other states like Indiana, Maryland, South Dakota, Washington, and West Virginia are seeking to overturn the existing bans on additives altogether.

It remains to be seen how this patchwork of state-level legislation will evolve. However, the discussions surrounding the potential health risks posed by these chemicals in popular snacks and candies underscore the importance of consumer safety and the need for thorough examination of food ingredients.