Last weekend, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law prohibiting certain food chemicals that are considered toxic to consumers’ health. However, this legal initiative has sparked controversy, with actor and TV host Mario Lopez being one of its critics.
Lopez took to his social media to express his frustration, stating that he believes there are more pressing issues in the state than candies like Skittles.
“Crime is through the roof, we are facing a major drug epidemic, and homelessness is at an all-time high in CA… Let’s focus on Skittles,” wrote the Saved By the Bell star on X.
The new law targets four ingredients present in candies, cereals, and sodas
Last Saturday, California became the first state to ban four chemicals commonly used in foods and beverages, which are often found in snacks like Peeps and Brach’s Candy Corn, as reported by Forbes.
According to Univision, the new law, AB 418, prohibits the sale or distribution of products containing brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye no. 3. The last one is found in Skittles, PediaSure, and is linked to cancer, as reported by People.
The law will go into effect in 2027, giving companies time to make the necessary changes.
The rumors circulating on social media about the Skittles ban are false. The law signed by Newsom does not ban the sale of food but requires companies to remove the mentioned ingredients from their recipes.
CBS informed that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not approve these ingredients for human consumption and that their function is to enhance flavors and preserve freshness.
The 50-year-old actor’s criticism on social media has sparked a debate. Some agree with his observation about public safety, while others believe that nutrition should be a higher priority since it directly impacts health.
“Getting rid of the poison in our foods is pretty important,” shared one X user.
Another person added: “I agree with Gavin Newsom’s move. Our food should be safe to eat.”
Meanwhile, others support Lopez’s opinion, highlighting how they feel unsafe.
“I agree with him. Now we hear about law enforcement helicopters almost every day at night because crimes like armed home invasions in the areas have spiked since that zero policy passed. And the district attorneys in some counties are not punishing the criminals harshly enough.”
Others believe that the law will help them give up junk food: “It’s a good thing. I’m addicted to junk food because of the additives; without them, I have no choice but to quit.”
Image Source: Mario Lopez @ Instagram
