Texas bill could mandate warning labels on popular snack packaging

A proposed bill in Texas could soon require food manufacturers to add warning labels to products that contain certain additives and synthetic colourings no longer approved in various countries, including the UK, Australia, Canada and across the EU.

The legislation, which is awaiting signature from Governor Greg Abbott, would mandate labels on food items containing ingredients not recommended for human consumption by international food safety bodies. Labels would be required to state that the product includes substances “not recommended for human consumption” and would apply to packaging developed or copyrighted from 1 January 2027.

The move reflects growing scrutiny of artificial ingredients used in food and beverage products, with close to 30 US states now introducing or passing similar measures. West Virginia, for example, recently banned seven widely used additives and colours.

Substances still permitted in the US but prohibited elsewhere include potassium bromate, azodicarbonamide, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), brominated vegetable oil, and various food dyes such as Red 40 and Yellow 6. These have been associated with health concerns including cancer risk and potential damage to DNA, despite approval from the FDA.

If passed, non-compliance with the Texas bill could lead to enforcement by the state attorney general, with possible fines of up to $50,000 per day.

Supporters argue the bill will promote transparency and improve public health, while some industry groups have raised concerns about regulatory consistency and the economic impact on manufacturers.