Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed groundbreaking legislation on Sunday requiring warning labels on food and beverage products that contain over 40 artificial dyes and additives, including red dye 40, yellow 5, and bleached flour. The law—set to apply to newly labeled products beginning January 1, 2027—will require packaging to include a bold warning if the ingredients are banned or not recommended for human consumption by authorities in Australia, Canada, the European Union, or the United Kingdom. Food safety advocates say the law could have national impact, as manufacturers may be forced to alter product formulations or labeling nationwide to avoid singling out Texas.
The bill passed with bipartisan support and is part of a broader health-focused movement endorsed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Critics in the food industry argue the new labeling requirements are misleading and burdensome, with potential legal and logistical challenges. While some companies may pursue reformulation, others may pull products from Texas shelves or challenge the law in court. The federal government could still preempt the law if the FDA determines the ingredients in question are safe. In recent years, similar state-level policies in California and West Virginia have already triggered changes by major brands like Kraft Heinz and Tyson Foods.
