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House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	February 28, 2024 02:04 PM
From:	Representative Natalie Mihalek and Rep. Melissa L. Shusterman
To:	All House members
Subject:	Food Safety Enhancement

With over 10,000 lab made additives in our food supply, most of us are unknowingly consuming a cocktail of chemicals on a daily basis. While these additives may lengthen shelf life or provide an attractive color to our food, they serve no nutritional value and pose serious risks to our health. The vast majority of these chemicals were introduced into our food supply without a safety review and despite decades of scientific research that have produced well documented risks of the adverse health effects associated with additives, we continue to eat them every day. These health risks include an increased risk of cancer, nervous system damage, risks to brain development in children, hyperactivity, endocrine disruption, and heart and liver problems. Reading labels is often times not enough as these chemicals have become so prevalent in our food supply it is nearly impossible for even the most conscientious consumer to avoid them. Products laden with long lists of harmful chemicals are being marketed to children making it more difficult for parents to feed their kids a healthy diet. In order to protect Pennsylvania consumers, we are introducing a package of bills that would bring safer alternatives to these hazardous ingredients. If you think toxic chemicals have no place in our food supply, please co-sponsor the following bills:

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Document #1

Description:	Bill #1 (Mihalek): This legislation will focus on food dyes such as red 3, yellow 5 and 6.  For decades red 3 has been banned from use in cosmetics and skincare products due to its link to cancer, yet it remains in our food supply and is prevalent in foods popular with small children.

Document #2

Description:	Bill #2 (Shusterman): This legislation targets chemicals such as potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and BHA which have all been linked to an increased risk of cancer as well as other negative health effects.