In the latest bizarre piece of legislation passed into law in California, the deep-blue state is now preparing to target pink- and purple-colored Peeps.
As reported by Politico, Governor Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) signed a bill into law on Saturday which forbids the use of four particular chemicals in food products, due to claims that the chemicals in question have been connected to health problems in children, including cancer and developmental issues.
The California Food Safety Act prohibits the manufacturing, selling, and distributing of the component erythrosine – also known as Red Dye Number 3 – as well as potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propyl paraben. These particular ingredients are used to produce the color of pink and purple Peeps.
“This is demonstrable proof that the food industry is capable of maintaining product lines while complying with different public health laws, country-to-country,” said Newsom upon signing the bill.
Unlike some of California’s other more controversial bills, including the zero-emissions ban on gas-powered cars, the food ban bill had support among Republicans in the state legislature, and even received praise from former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-Calif.), an extremely moderate Republican.
Authored by State Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel (D-Calif.), it is the first law of its kind in the nation. It follows the example set by similar laws in the European Union, including one ban on the use of chemicals that provide different colors to the candy Skittles. Upon going into effect in 2027, the law will feature a penalty of $10,000.