Texas Bill Targets Chips and Candies with 'Not for Human Consumption' Warning Labels

A groundbreaking piece of legislation in Texas is stirring up a storm in the food industry, and it’s not just about spicy salsa. Senate Bill 25, currently awaiting the signature of Governor Greg Abbott, could mandate warning labels on a range of popular snacks and drinks, flagging ingredients deemed not recommended for human consumption. Yes, you read that right—your favorite chips and candies might soon come with a side of caution.

The bill targets 44 specific ingredients, including synthetic food dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 6, as well as bleached flour, which are found in everyday items such as M&M's, Doritos, and Trix cereal. If signed into law, these products would need to display prominent warnings on their packaging starting January 1, 2027. The reasoning? Many of these additives are banned in places like Canada, the European Union, and the UK, and research cited in the legislation links ultra-processed foods—making up a staggering 73% of the U.S. food supply—to serious health issues like obesity, depression, Type 2 diabetes, and even cancer.

While health advocates might see this as a win in the fight for transparency, the food industry is pushing back hard. Major manufacturers, represented by the Consumer Brands Association, are urging Governor Abbott to veto the bill, arguing that the labels are misleading and could confuse consumers while driving up costs. They insist their ingredients are safe, rigorously tested, and part of a trusted supply chain. But with the FDA already banning Red Dye 3 earlier this year due to cancer risks, the tide may be turning against artificial additives.

On a broader scale, this bill ties into the growing Make America Healthy Again movement, which seeks to overhaul the way we think about food. Even figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Health and Human Resources Secretary, have weighed in, hinting at future initiatives like open-source databases and apps to help consumers scan barcodes and uncover what’s really in their groceries. It’s a bold vision—one that could empower everyday shoppers to make informed choices.

Whether Governor Abbott signs or vetoes this bill, one thing is clear: the debate over what we put on our plates is heating up. Will Texas lead the charge in rethinking food safety, or will this legislation be just another snack that’s hard to swallow? Stay tuned as this story unfolds.