Heat Wave: California Lawmakers Cool Down on Flamin' Hot Snacks

Beware of your snacks, folks! Your beloved Flamin' Hot favorites might be in jeopardy.

California legislators are advancing a bill aimed at banning such snacks and similar ones from being sold in-state public schools. Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) introduced A.B. 2316 following the enactment of the California Food Safety Act, which prohibits artificial ingredients commonly found in American food products, including additives like blue 1, titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, and red 40 present in snacks like Flamin' Hot Cheetos and Takis.

Gabriel clarified that the bill doesn't directly ban specific foods but instead aims to incentivize companies to tweak their products if they intend to sell them in California's public schools, recognizing the significant market it represents. A.B. 2316 extends beyond red 40 to include dyes like blue 1, blue 2, green 3, yellow 5, and yellow 6, along with titanium dioxide, commonly used in cosmetics and paints, all of which would be prohibited from school food offerings.

Citing health concerns such as DNA damage, cancer, hyperactivity, and neurobehavioral issues associated with these additives, particularly in children, Gabriel emphasized California's duty to safeguard students' health and learning ability. He expressed personal concern, having grappled with ADHD himself, and asserted the bill's intent to empower schools to ensure the well-being of students and compel manufacturers to phase out these harmful additives.

A.B. 2316 is slated for review by the Assembly Education Committee in the coming month. This is a significant step toward protecting students' health and promoting safer food options in California schools.