Here’s the gist of what’s happening with a prayer…

Californians, say goodbye to red dye No. 3 and a rogue's gallery of other eyebrow-raising food additives! Governor Gavin Newsom just signed a bill that's more iconic than the Golden Gate Bridge when it comes to health-conscious legislation. Sure, critics are as sour as warheads, but Newsom says companies have until 2027 to make their goods a little less Breaking Bad and a little more European Union-approved. As for Skittles, they'll still "taste the rainbow"—just with a less toxic spectrum.

Dear Lord, thank You for the wisdom to make healthier choices for our bodies, Your temples. May this new law inspire us to think consciously about what we consume, not just physically but spiritually. Help those in power to make decisions that honor You and benefit Your creation. Amen.

Like Taking Candy from a Californian:
Newsom Bans Red Dye No. 3 and Other Food Additives

California Governor Gavin Newsom inked a new bill this Saturday that gives the state the distinction of being the first in the U.S. to ban red dye No. 3 and several other potentially harmful food additives. This is a story as vibrant as a bag of Skittles (RIP).

A Landmark Move
The bill, officially known as the California Food Safety Act or Assembly Bill 418, was introduced by Assemblymembers Jesse Gabriel and Buffy Wicks. This groundbreaker of a law not only prohibits red dye No. 3 but also brings potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propylparaben under its umbrella. These chemicals are regularly used in approximately 12,000 food products, including popular candies, beverages, and baked goods.

Though some have dubbed this the "Skittles Ban," fear not; Skittles won't disappear from Californian shelves. The candy uses a different formula in the European Union, where these chemicals are already banned, proving that the snack can still be offered sans harmful additives.

What Are These Chemicals, Anyway?
For those who don't have a Ph.D. in Food Science, let’s break this down. Potassium bromate is a dough enhancer used in bread and pastries. Brominated vegetable oil is an emulsifier that stops your favorite citrus-flavored soda from separating into odd layers. Propylparabens are the hardest to pronounce and are used as antimicrobials to preserve foods.

A Step Closer to EU Standards
In a formal letter, Governor Newsom noted that the European Union has already banned these chemicals due to significant public health concerns. Among these are an increased risk of cancer, behavioral issues in children, and potential harm to the reproductive and immune systems. Newsom called this move a step closer to an EU-like food environment, giving kudos to American food manufacturers for their adaptability to diverse public health laws.

Opposition and Implementation
As with any new law, this one has its critics. The National Confectioners Association argues that the bill could undermine consumer confidence and sow confusion by taking unilateral action independent of the FDA. This comes amid a loophole in the FDA’s Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, known as the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) rule, which currently allows these additives.

Newsom assures that there is ample time—until 2027—for brands to reformulate their recipes. The law aims to boost Californians' confidence in the safety of their food products, and due to the sheer size of California's economy, the benefits are expected to reach across the nation.

The Red Dye Dilemma
Nearly 3,000 products, from Skittles to instant rice and boxed cake mixes, contain red dye No. 3, according to the Environmental Working Group's Eat Well Guide. But thanks to Newsom's pen, the days are numbered for these additives, at least in California. Until the law takes effect, consumers can check the ingredients listed on food packaging or the "inactive ingredients" section on medications to steer clear of red dye No. 3.

Reflection
Paul reminded the Corinthians that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). This wisdom applies to us today as we navigate a world brimming with artificiality. The effort to clean up our food, to ban substances that could harm us, aligns well with the Christian ethic of treating our bodies with the respect due to a temple of God. If you were appointed as a steward of God’s temple, you would treat it with diligent respect, constant care, and devotion. Scripture calls for us to put this same care into our bodies.

It’s more than just about Skittles and colorful candies. It’s about honoring the bodies God gave us by making mindful choices. This historic ban nudges us all toward a future where such respect is not just personal but societal, inviting us to taste the rainbow in a way that's a little less artificial and a lot more divine.

And so, in a world often rife with gray areas, the Golden State has decidedly removed at least one shade of red.

Thank you for joining us today on PRAY NEWS. It is our aim to be informed and transformed. We pray today you will proceed with hope, love, and determination to be a force for good.