The state of Texasin the United States, approved an unprecedented law that requires warning labels on foods containing chemical additives not recommended for human consumption by regulatory bodies of Australia, Canada, European Union and United Kingdom.
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The measure, called Senate Bill 25 (SB 25)was sanctioned in June 22, 2025 and comes into force on January 1, 2027. It requires manufacturers to visibly include the warning:
“This product contains an ingredient that is not recommended for human consumption by the competent authority in Australia, Canada, the European Union or the United Kingdom.”
The standard applies to packaged foods sold in Texasexcluding restaurant meals, supplements and products regulated by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). In case of non-compliance, companies may be fined up to US$50 thousand per day and per product.
Between aces 44 substances listedthey are titanium dioxide, potassium bromate, azodicarbonamide (used to lighten flour) and preservatives BHA (butyl-hydroxyanisole) e bht (butil-hicdroxitoluen)in addition to dyes red 40 e yellow 5. Although these substances remain permitted in the USA and Brazil, Anvisa determines specific usage limits.
Where do these additives appear in Brazil
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BHA (butyl-hydroxyanisole): biscuits, snacks, cereals, chocolates and margarine.
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BHT (butil-hicroxitoluleno): sausages, cake mixes and instant noodles.
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Titanium dioxide: candies, lozenges, confectionery toppings and supplements.
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Red dye 40: soft drinks, sweets and flavored yogurts.
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Yellow dye 5: candies, gelatins and industrialized drinks.
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Yellow 6: ready-made sauces, snacks and powdered desserts.
Possible health risks
According to the nutritionist Tatiane Lourençothese additives are used to extend durability e improve the appearance of foodbut studies indicate that the continuous use and in high doses can cause hormonal changes, intestinal inflammation and even carcinogenic risks.
A nutritionist Talyta Machado adds that frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods increases the liver toxicitystimulates a formation of free radicals and can affect the nervous system. “These substances can accumulate in the body, especially when there are intestinal or liver imbalances”, he warns.
Tatiane also reinforces that the titanium dioxidedespite having low intestinal absorption, may contain nanoparticles capable of crossing biological barriersrepresenting long-term risks.
What the consumer can do
Experts recommend pay attention to the list of ingredients on the labels. Terms like BHA, BHT, INS 171, red 40, yellow 5 e yellow 6 indicate the presence of these substances. Whenever possible, prefer less processed foods and with natural dyes, such as turmeric, annatto and beetroot.
The new Texas law should boost transparency in food labeling and pressuring big brands to reformulate their products. For Brazil, the topic sparks a important warning about safety and consumer information.
“Clearer labeling policies based on scientific evidence would be welcome in Brazil. A warning like the one in Texas would help consumers to choose wisely, without generating panic”, concludes Tatiane Lourenço.
Source: Government of Texas / Interviews with nutritionists Tatiane Lourenço and Talyta Machado
✍️ Written by ContilNet
