Texas is now set to become the first state in the nation to require warning labels on foods containing certain new chemical additives, following the introduction of a law connected to Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) campaign.
The full plans surrounding MAHA were outlined in February through an Executive Order from President Donald Trump entitled, “Establishing The President’s Make America Healthy Again Commission.”
Backed by both parties in a majority and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, the new law requires that starting in 2027, all food products sold in Texas must display labels if they contain any of more than 40 additives or dyes that are restricted or banned in countries like Canada, Australia, and the U.K.
The goal, lawmakers claim, is to empower and educate consumers while also encouraging healthier eating habits.
However, a closer look has reportedly revealed some inconsistencies or errors in the new food labels. At least a dozen of the listed additives required to be listed on the new labels remain legally permitted in certain areas around the country, raising concerns about accuracy.
Some Americans may argue that unless these errors are addressed, the law could invite lawsuits from food manufacturers or be manipulated by other regulatory loopholes.
Even so, health advocates are praising Texas for taking the lead in informing its residents about food toxins or dangers.
“This represents a big win for Texas consumers and consumers overall,” Brian Ronholm of Consumer Reports told AP News. “It’s a reflection of states not wanting to wait for the federal government to act.”
Some of the ingredients on the warning list, such as the infamous Red Dye 3 and hydrogenated oils, have already been banned in America. Others, like Blue Dye 1, are still legal across America and most countries worldwide. That gap of confusion, allegedly, could hurt the law’s impact or even push companies to sue, as previously mentioned.
The law’s passage may reflect the growing influence of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose MAHA campaign has boosted red-state laws around food reform, and more specifically, school nutrition.
Texas is also ramping up school nutrition standards, requiring additive-free lunches in public schools and nutrition coursework in higher education.
As previously reported by DX, Dallas ISD now offers free, healthy meals to all students through its Food and Child Nutrition Services department, regardless of income. Dietitians and chefs developed the new meals to meet USDA nutrition standards, focusing on reduced sodium, fat, and added sugars while still appealing to kids’ food choices.
The move to push for more transparent food labeling in the Lone Star State follows recent similar laws in California, Arkansas, and West Virginia targeting food dyes and other potentially harmful chemicals.
“It’s a pretty dizzying time to be watching what’s happening, because usually policies that are not very industry friendly are opposed, particularly in red states,” Christina Roberto, director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Food and Nutrition Policy, added.