Dupage Policy Journal

Legislation aimed at banning two potentially harmful food additives has received bipartisan approval in the Illinois Senate. State Senator Seth Lewis, a Republican from Bartlett, collaborated with Chief Sponsor Willie Preston, a Democrat from Chicago, to advance the bill successfully.

Senator Lewis expressed concern about the presence of "unnecessary chemicals" in food products that can adversely affect health. He stated, “Consumers deserve to know the foods they eat and give to their kids are free from dangerous chemicals that are proven to cause cancers or other illnesses.”

The legislation, known as Senate Bill 93, targets the prohibition of Potassium Bromate and Propylparaben. The bill outlines a schedule for the ban:

- By January 1, 2027, the manufacture of food products containing these substances will be prohibited.

- By January 1, 2028, the sale, delivery, and distribution of any food item with these additives will be banned.

Senator Lewis noted that noncompliance would result in fines, highlighting the bill's seriousness and commitment to enforcement.

Reflecting on the international context, Lewis remarked, “When we have food on our shelves that include ingredients that have already been banned in India, China, and throughout Europe, I am proud to be involved with making the State of Illinois a leader in making our food supply safer.” He also referenced the recent federal prohibition of Red Dye #3 as complementary to state efforts to ensure food safety.

This legislative measure, having cleared the Senate, will now move to the House of Representatives for further deliberation and potential passage.