**Texas Mandates Warning Labels on Certain Food Products**
Texas has enacted new legislation requiring warning labels on various food and beverage items, including popular products like M&Ms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Fanta. Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 25 into law, marking a significant win for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, which aims to eliminate synthetic dyes and other controversial ingredients from the food supply.
Under the new law, food manufacturers must remove over 40 specific ingredients, including synthetic dyes and bleached flour, from products sold in Texas by 2027. If companies fail to comply, they will be required to label their products with warnings indicating that the ingredients are “not recommended for human consumption” in other countries. While many of these additives are already banned or require warnings elsewhere, this law introduces a new regulatory framework for packaged food in Texas, the second-most populous state in the U.S.
The legislation is expected to influence national practices, as companies often adjust their production processes to meet state regulations. In response to growing pressure from government officials and health advocates, major food companies like Kraft Heinz Co. and General Mills Inc. have announced plans to eliminate synthetic dyes from their U.S. products by the end of 2027. However, industry representatives have noted that no formal agreement exists with the federal government regarding these changes.
Products currently affected by the new labeling requirements include Coca-Cola Co.’s Fanta, PepsiCo Inc.’s Cheetos and Nacho Cheese Doritos, as well as Mars Inc.’s Skittles and M&Ms. Kellanova’s Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts will also fall under this regulation. Companies can avoid the labeling requirements if the FDA or USDA deems the targeted ingredients safe after September 1. Additionally, if federal agencies impose restrictions or bans on these ingredients after that date, those regulations will take precedence over Texas law.
The implementation of this legislation raises questions within the food industry. The law will apply to any food labeling created or updated starting January 1, 2027, which may allow companies to delay compliance until they next update their packaging. Gary Huddleston, a consultant for the Texas Retailers Association, indicated that companies might wait until they reformulate products or change their labels for marketing purposes.
As the deadline approaches, the food industry will need to navigate these new regulations while addressing consumer health concerns and maintaining compliance with both state and federal guidelines.
**FAQ**
**What ingredients will require warning labels under Texas law?**
Texas law mandates warning labels on products containing over 40 specific ingredients, including synthetic dyes and bleached flour, unless deemed safe by federal agencies after September 1, 2023.