A new food labelling bill passed by the Texas Legislature could lead to sweeping changes in how packaged foods are labelled across the United States.
Senate Bill 25, which is backed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., US Health and Human Services Secretary, would require warning labels on foods containing ingredients that are restricted or not recommended for human consumption in other countries.
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The measure is currently awaiting the signature of Governor Greg Abbott and, if enacted, would come into effect in 2027.
The proposed legislation highlights over 40 substances, including synthetic food dyes and bleached flour, that would trigger labelling requirements. Popular items such as Skittles, Mountain Dew, and Froot Loops would be among those affected.
The bill has drawn significant attention from both public health advocates and food industry groups, and it could have a national impact on food packaging and production practices.
Ingredients under scrutiny
The bill targets a broad range of additives, several of which are restricted or labelled with warnings in Europe and other jurisdictions.
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By GlobalDataThese include titanium dioxide, used to brighten sweets; BHT and BHA, preservatives found in cereals and meats; and emulsifiers like DATEM, commonly used in breads.
While some ingredients are banned abroad, others remain under debate globally.
Under the proposed rules, any packaged food sold in Texas from 2027 onward would require a visible warning label if it contains any of the listed substances, unless those ingredients are approved, restricted, or labelled by federal agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Department of Agriculture (USDA) after 1 September 2024.
Warnings must appear in a font size no smaller than other FDA-required text and be displayed in a prominent position.
Potential for wider industry impact
If signed into law, Senate Bill 25 could encourage food manufacturers to change product formulations or labelling nationwide to avoid creating state-specific packaging.
Similar precedents, such as California’s Proposition 65 and Vermont’s GMO labelling law, have previously led companies to implement broader labelling practices across the US.
Industry stakeholders have voiced concern over the bill’s implications. In a letter to lawmakers, companies including PepsiCo, Mondelez, Coca-Cola, and Walmart said the measure would impose sweeping labelling requirements based on international standards rather than US regulatory guidance.
The Consumer Brands Association called on Governor Abbott to veto the bill, arguing that it would mislead consumers and increase costs.
Governor’s decision pending
Governor Abbott has not yet indicated whether he will sign the legislation. His press secretary said the governor is committed to reviewing the bill carefully to support Texans’ access to safe and healthy food.
Abbott has until late June to make a decision, following the end of the legislative session on 3 June.
Supporters of the bill argue that it marks a significant step in promoting food transparency and consumer awareness. Opponents caution that it could set a precedent for state-level regulation that conflicts with federal standards, complicating compliance for national food producers.
The outcome of this legislation could shape the future of food ingredient labelling in the United States, particularly in relation to synthetic additives and other controversial substances.
