Southwest Allegheny News

In a recent development in Pennsylvania, Rep. Natalie Mihalek and Rep. Melissa Shusterman have introduced a bipartisan legislative package aimed at protecting consumers from cancer-causing and poisonous ingredients in food products. The legislators are focused on prohibiting the use of harmful chemicals in foods sold in the state.

Speaking on the necessity of the bills, Rep. Mihalek emphasized the health risks associated with certain chemicals, stating, "The list of health issues related to poisons like Red Dye No. 3 are well documented to increase hyperactivity in children and jeopardize brain development. They also have been linked to cancer." Mihalek also highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the FDA banned these chemicals from cosmetics over 30 years ago but has yet to act on their presence in food.

Echoing the concerns for public safety, Rep. Shusterman emphasized the importance of consumer trust in the food supply, stating, “The citizens of PA should be able to trust that the food at the grocery store is safe." She expressed hope that the proposed food safety bills would garner bipartisan support among legislators.

The legislative package includes House Bill 2116, introduced by Rep. Mihalek, which aims to prohibit the use of several harmful dyes, and House Bill 2117, introduced by Rep. Shusterman, which targets the use of specific chemicals in food production.

The collaborative effort of Rep. Mihalek and Rep. Shusterman underscores a shared commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Pennsylvania residents when it comes to the food they consume. The proposed bills reflect a proactive approach to addressing concerns about the presence of potentially harmful substances in food products, with a focus on public health and safety.