California Governor Gavin Newsom is making waves once again with a controversial new bill that bans certain additives and chemicals found in popular candies, sodas, and even bread. This bill, known as the California Food Safety Act, was signed into law by the Governor this past weekend, making it the first of its kind in the country.
According to Newsom, the banned additives and chemicals have been linked to health concerns such as cancer and hyperactivity in children. Ingredients like Red dye No. 3, Potassium bromate, Brominated vegetable oil, and Propylparaben will no longer be allowed in any products sold, manufactured, or distributed within the state of California. And perhaps most notably, the famously divisive Peeps marshmallows (excluding the yellow ones) have been caught in the crosshairs of this new bill.
Initially dubbed the “Skittles Bill” due to its inclusion of a ban on the popular candy, the backlash on social media was swift and strong, with even celebrities like Mario Lopez speaking out against it. However, as the bill went through committee, the Skittles ban was eventually dropped, with Newsom seeming to cave to pressure from the powerful confectionery lobby.
Crime is through the roof, worst drug epidemic ever & homelessness at an all time high in CA… Let’s focus on Skittles pic.twitter.com/ohWQcUcQjf
— Mario Lopez (@mariolopezviva) October 10, 2023
While it may seem like a well-intentioned move to protect public health, the passing of this bill has prompted concerns over the amount of control and interference the government is having over people’s personal choices. Newsom and others in support of the bill argue that the banned ingredients not only pose health risks but also contribute to hyperactivity in children. But with this ban, the line between protecting the public and overstepping into personal lives becomes increasingly blurred.
This is not the first instance of Newsom’s nanny state tendencies, as his past actions have also targeted gas-powered stoves, lawnmowers, and cars. Now, with the banning of certain candies and sodas, many people are left wondering, what will be next? The Governor’s obsession with power and control has directly led to the state of California being in disarray, with high taxes, crime rates, and an exodus of residents.
In the end, the real issue at hand may not be the banned ingredients in candies but rather, the potential overreach of government control and the impact it may have on personal freedoms and choices. With this new law in place, many are left wondering how far Newsom will continue to push the boundaries and what else may be banned in the name of public safety. As for now, we can only hope that this candy ban does not mark the beginning of a slippery slope toward further government interference in our daily lives.