Interactive Map: Tracking State Food Chemical Regulation in the U.S.
January 12, 2026 | Source: EWG | by Iris Myers
Thousands of chemicals are allowed for use in food and beverages sold in this country. And most are probably safe to consume. But some have been linked to serious health harms.
In 2023, the California Food Safety Act, which banned four toxic chemicals from food sold, manufactured or distributed in the state, was signed into law. The chemicals are potassium bromate, propyl paraben, Red Dye No. 3 and brominated vegetable oil, or BVO.
In 2024, the California School Food Safety Act was signed into law. It bans the food additives Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, Blue Dye No. 1, Blue Dye No. 2, Green Dye No. 3 from food served in public schools.