Florida is in the news with a bill that could shake up the snack food market. Senate Bill 560, introduced by State Senator Jonathan Martin, would ban certain chemical additives in food. If this bill were to pass, it would mean the end of America’s favorite snacks, like Skittles, Doritos, and Froot Loops, in their current forms. But what is driving Florida in this direction, and what does it mean for snack lovers?
What’s the Bill About?
Senate Bill 560 is focused on food safety. The bill is targeting nine chemical additives that various studies link with health risks, especially in children. The bill is already receiving support in the Florida Senate and is set to be made into a law by July 2025. Food producers would, however, be afforded until January 2028 to comply. Companies would be mandated to remove the banned additives or stop selling products with such additives in Florida.
Senator Martin has been vocal about the danger that these chemicals represent.
“There are cancer-causing chemicals. They have no place in our food. Period,”
He wrote in a social media update. His stance is clear: public health is more important than the preservation of snack flavor.
The bill targets nine specific additives, including:
- Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) – Used in some beverages, but recently banned by the FDA.
- Potassium bromate – A dough enhancer banned in Europe due to cancer concerns.
- Propylparaben – A preservative linked to hormone disruption.
- Synthetic food dyes – Red dye 3, Blue dye 1, and Yellow dye 5, which some studies suggest may contribute to hyperactivity in kids and potential health risks.
- Other preservatives—including benzidine, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), are used to extend shelf life but have been under scrutiny.
While these chemicals are FDA-approved, Florida lawmakers argue that new research suggests they may be harmful. They point out that many of these additives are already banned in Europe and California and believe Florida should follow suit.
These popular snacks would be taken off the shelves, or reformulated, if this bill is signed into law. Skittles, with their bright colors, include Yellow five and Blue one, both of which would be banned by this bill. Froot Loops and Doritos use dyes that would be forbidden.
That does not mean, however, that such products will disappear forever. When such bans were imposed in Europe, companies devised substitute recipes that did not lose their unique tastes. Manufacturers, in the opinion of some analysts, will reformulate nationally, as opposed to making special editions for Florida.
The Health Debate
The bill is justified by proponents as consumer protection, specifically that of children. Certain additives in question were found in studies to be associated with health issues, such as cancer risk and behavioral symptoms. To illustrate, studies show that Red dye 3, which cosmetics were excluded from using decades ago, is likely unsafe for ingestion as well.
However, not everyone is convinced. Critics argue that the FDA already regulates these ingredients and that removing them from food could limit consumer choices. They also point out that no significant health crises have been directly linked to these additives in the U.S.
What’s Next?
The bill is moving in the Florida Senate and is building support in committee votes. It would be sent to Governor Ron DeSantis for his signature if it is passed by the Senate and House. His stance on the matter is unclear, but since his administration is dedicated to consumer protection, he is likely to sign it.
If the bill is passed, food producers need to act fast. While the deadline for compliance is set for 2028, reformulating favorite snacks is time-consuming and capital-intensive. Producers could decide that it is more practical to comply with Florida regulations across the country than risk losing a huge market.
For now, snack food fans can keep eating their favorite treats. But if this bill is signed, expect ingredient labels to be altered in the future. Whether this leads to healthier snacks, or just substitute artificial alternatives, remains to be seen. One thing is certain – Florida is committed to food safety, and the rest of the country is watching.
