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Committee advances bill restricting certain chemical additives in foods despite industry warnings of a patchwork of state rules
Summary
SB 560, which lists chemicals the sponsor described as linked to cancer or serious health effects, was reported favorably after extensive public comment from industry groups urging a federal solution to avoid a patchwork of state regulations.
SB 560, a bill that would prohibit certain chemical additives in food products, was reported favorably by the Senate Committee on Agriculture after extended comment from industry trade groups and lawmakers.
Senator Martin, sponsor, said the bill targets "a list of 10 chemicals" that he believes are associated with cancer or other serious health effects and that two of the chemicals on his list had recently been acted on by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "This bill deals with a list of 10 chemicals that I think we can do better," Senator Martin said, and he said penalties in the bill would not take effect until Jan. 1, 2028.
Industry witnesses cautioned against a state-by-state approach. Greg Costa, senior director of state affairs with the Consumer Brands Association, told the committee that his members support "the proven science and risk based process established by the FDA" and warned of a growing patchwork: "We've got about a hundred and one bills in 30 states with absolutely no unanimity among those." Scott Shally of the Florida Retail Federation and Anna Melendez of the Florida Association of Wholesale Distributors echoed concerns that divergent state laws could disrupt manufacture, distribution and retailing.
Senator Roussaint (recorded in the transcript as opposing the motion) said he could not support the bill in its current form because it would "result in a patchwork approach" that could inflate food costs and undermine consumer confidence. Senator Boyd said she would support the sponsor for now, noting she expects the bill to be revised through stakeholder engagement.
On roll call, Senators Bernard, Boyd and Burton voted yes; the member recorded as Senator Versailles voted no; Vice Chair Graw and Chair Trudeau voted yes. The clerk recorded that "SB 560 is reported favorably."
Ending: The committee advanced the bill despite industry objections pointing to federal review as the preferred venue; the sponsor said he would continue discussions with stakeholders on revisions as the bill progresses. The transcript does not include the bill text or an itemized list of the 10 chemicals.
