A Texas bill nearing final approval would mandate warning labels on packaged foods—from Skittles to Mountain Dew—flagging ingredients that other countries have deemed “not recommended for human consumption.”
Senate Bill 25, supported by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is awaiting Governor Greg Abbott’s signature. Starting in 2027, products sold in Texas containing specific additives would need redesigned packaging featuring warning labels. Texas, home to 31 million people, is the second most populous state in the country.
The legislation identifies over 40 additives, including artificial dyes and bleached flour. While not all are banned globally, many are restricted or labeled with warnings in other nations.
If enacted, the measure could have broad effects across the food industry. Companies often apply state-mandated changes nationally to simplify manufacturing. The bill would also represent a major win for the "Make America Healthy Again" campaign—Kennedy’s flagship initiative.
Proponents say Kennedy’s support was key. Rep. Lacey Hull, one of the bill’s House sponsors, said he personally called her after the bill cleared the legislature. Abbott, however, hasn’t yet stated whether he’ll sign it.
“Governor Abbott will continue to work with the legislature to ensure Texans have access to healthy foods to care for themselves and their families and will thoughtfully review any legislation they send to his desk,” Abbott’s press secretary Andrew Mahaleris told Bloomberg News ahead of the bill's June 1 arrival. The governor’s office has not issued further comment.
Known for its pro-business climate and lack of personal income tax, Texas typically favors limited regulation.
“If Abbott signs this, he will go down in history as the man who broke the food industry’s back on these chemicals,” said food activist Vani Hari, also known as the Food Babe. “This could spark a major transformation across the industry.”
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