Texas is renowned for its independent spirit, and this spirit is reflected in its vibrant food culture. However, the state’s more relaxed regulatory environment means that many food products sold in local and ethnic markets in Texas contain additives that have been banned in other places, like the European Union and even California. These ingredients, which are often used to enhance color, flavor, or texture, have been flagged by health advocates in other regions for their potential health risks. This creates a confusing landscape for Texas shoppers who are trying to make healthy choices.
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1. Red Dye No. 3 (Erythrosine)
This synthetic red food dye was recently banned in California due to its links to cancer and behavioral issues in children. However, it is still legal at the federal level and is widely used in Texas. You can frequently find it in the brightly colored frostings of pan dulce at local panaderías, as well as in Mexican candies and some processed fruit products sold in Hispanic markets.
2. Potassium Bromate
Potassium bromate is a powerful dough conditioner that is used by some bakeries to make their bread and rolls softer and fluffier. The European Union and California have both banned this additive because it is a potential carcinogen. In Texas, however, it remains legal, and it can be found in some breads and tortillas sold at local bakeries and markets that are not subject to the policies of a large national chain.
3. Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
Brominated vegetable oil, or BVO, is an emulsifier that is used to keep the citrus flavoring from separating in some soft drinks. It has been banned in Europe and is being phased out in California due to concerns that the bromine can accumulate in the body and cause health problems. You can still find BVO in some store-brand and regional citrus sodas sold at local Texas grocery stores.
4. Titanium Dioxide
The European Union has banned titanium dioxide as a food additive because of concerns that it could potentially damage DNA. This chemical is used as a whitening and brightening agent in a huge variety of processed foods. In Texas, you can still find it in products like coffee creamers, salad dressings, and candies sold at local markets.
5. Azodicarbonamide
Azodicarbonamide is another dough conditioner that is used to bleach flour and improve the elasticity of bread dough. The additive is banned in the E.U. because it can create a carcinogenic byproduct when heated. While many major American brands have voluntarily removed it, it can still be found in some store-brand or generic breads and buns sold in Texas.
6. Propylparaben
Propylparaben is a preservative in some tortillas, pastries, and other baked goods to prevent mold. The E.U. has banned this chemical because it is an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with the body’s hormones. Despite these concerns, it remains a legal and approved preservative in the United States.
7. Various Artificial Colors (Yellow 5, Blue 1)
While not banned outright, the E.U. requires a warning label on any product that contains certain artificial food dyes. The state that they “may hurt activity and attention in children.” No such warning is required in the U.S. As a result, these dyes are used liberally in a huge number of brightly colored snacks, drinks, and candies that are popular in local Texas markets.
The Texas Food Freedom
The presence of these banned and controversial additives in Texas is a direct result of a different regulatory philosophy than that of Europe or California. The Texas approach generally prioritizes market freedom and relies on the FDA’s assessment of safety. For consumers, this means that the responsibility for avoiding these controversial ingredients falls squarely on their own shoulders, which requires a careful and critical reading of every ingredient label.
Were you aware that these additives were banned in other places? How does this information affect your decision to buy products that contain them? Let us know!
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