Prohibits certain substances in sale, distribution, and manufacture of commercial foods.
Impact
If enacted, A5436 amends the existing food adulteration definitions under R.S. 24:5-8 to include these five specific substances, thus formally categorizing food that contains them as adulterated. Consequently, the sale or distribution of such food items would become illegal within the state. This would require manufacturers and distributors to review their product formulations and reformulate products to comply with these regulations, likely resulting in safer food offerings in the market.
Summary
Assembly Bill A5436, introduced in the New Jersey legislature, aims to prohibit the sale, distribution, and manufacture of commercial food containing specific harmful substances. The bill specifically targets five substances: brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, red dye 3, and titanium dioxide. These substances have been deemed relevant due to their prohibition in processed food within the European Union, based on scientific evidence highlighting their potential risks to public health, particularly in relation to children. Thus, the bill focuses on enhancing food safety standards in New Jersey.
Contention
There may be potential points of contention related to this bill. Proponents argue that the prohibition of these substances is crucial for protecting public health and ensuring the safety of food products available to residents. However, critics might raise concerns regarding the impact on manufacturers and the food industry, fearing increased costs or challenges in reformulating products. The extent to which these regulations may impose restrictions on consumer choice or affect pricing in the marketplace could be discussed during legislative reviews.
Prohibits certain substances in sale, distribution, and manufacture of commercial foods within two years; immediately bans certain dyes in school food.