A new bill introduced in California aims to ban the sale of popular candies that contain ingredients known to cause health issues. The bill, introduced by Assembly member Evan Low, targets candies that contain high levels of lead, cadmium, or mercury, which have been linked to cancer, developmental delays, and other health problems.
Under the proposed legislation, candy manufacturers would be required to reduce the levels of these metals in their products to below a certain threshold, or face fines and other penalties. The bill has garnered support from environmental and public health groups, who say that it is long overdue.
“Children and families in California should not be exposed to harmful metals in their candy,” said Low in a statement. “This bill is a common-sense step to protect our most vulnerable populations.”
What is the bill all about?
The bill targets candies that are particularly popular among children, including sour gummies, fruit chews, and licorice. These candies often contain high levels of lead and other metals due to the use of certain ingredients, such as tamarind, which can absorb heavy metals from the soil in which it is grown.
According to a report by the Environmental Law Foundation, a nonprofit organization that focuses on environmental health issues, nearly half of the candy products sold in California contain detectable levels of lead or cadmium, and some contain levels that exceed the state’s legal limits.
The report also found that children who consume these candies are at risk of exceeding the safe daily intake levels of these metals, which can cause a range of health problems, including cognitive impairment, developmental delays, and cancer.
The bill has faced opposition from candy manufacturers, who argue that the proposed regulations would be costly and difficult to implement. Some manufacturers have also disputed the scientific evidence linking these metals to health problems, saying that the levels found in their products are not harmful.
However, supporters of the bill say that it is necessary to protect public health and that candy manufacturers have had ample time to reduce the levels of these metals in their products.
“The candy industry has had over a decade to voluntarily reduce the levels of these toxic metals in their products, and they have failed to do so,” said Sonya Lunder, senior toxics advisor for the Environmental Working Group. “It’s time for the state to step in and take action to protect children’s health.”
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What would be the impact if the bill is passed?
If the bill is passed, California would become the first state in the country to ban the sale of candies containing these metals. The bill is currently being reviewed by the California Assembly Health Committee, and supporters are urging Californians to contact their elected representatives to express their support for the legislation.
Overall, the bill is part of a growing effort by lawmakers and public health advocates to address the issue of toxic metals in consumer products. With increasing evidence linking these metals to a range of health problems, there is a growing recognition that action is needed to protect public health and ensure that these products are safe for consumers, particularly children.
