Dupage Policy Journal

Following the Senate Public Health Committee's approval of Senate Bill 93, State Senator Willie Preston and other lawmakers gathered at a press conference to discuss legislation aimed at banning harmful food additives.

"Consumers in Illinois should have full faith and trust in the foods and products they are consuming," said Preston (D-Chicago). "Right now, Illinoisans are consuming harmful products without realizing it. We must focus on consumer safety and offer clear directives to food manufacturers in order to keep all of Illinois healthy."

Senate Bill 93, also known as the Illinois Food Safety Act, seeks to prohibit specific dangerous food additives such as potassium bromate and propylparaben from being used in the manufacturing, delivery, distribution, holding or sale of food products.

"As parents become more informed and concerned about what goes into their children’s food, legislative action to ban certain food additives becomes increasingly more important," stated State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett). "The United States is lagging behind several countries, including many in Europe and also India and China when it comes to making our food supply safer. Illinois has an opportunity to be a leader on this important issue."

State Senator Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet) highlighted concerns for families living in poor areas or food deserts who rely on convenience stores for groceries. She emphasized the importance of ensuring these foods are safe for consumption. "The Food and Drug Administration banning red dye No. 3 and brominated vegetable oil illustrates why this bill is needed – to ensure that everyone has access to safe and clean food," she said.

Preston underscored that his legislation focuses on protecting children who face higher risks from these chemicals due to their developing bodies and high consumption levels of such products. The banned additives identified in the bill have been linked to health issues ranging from severe allergies to chronic diseases.

Anusha Thotakura, executive director of Citizen Action/Illinois, supported the initiative by stating: "Citizen Action/Illinois has fought for 50 years to ensure families have access to safe, healthy food—and SB 93 continues this mission by banning toxic additives like brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye 3 that endanger public health." Thotakura urged swift passage of the bill while thanking Senator Preston for prioritizing public safety over corporate interests.

Senate Bill 93 is pending further discussion in the Senate.