Sick of waiting for FDA, U.S. states target food additives banned in Europe

U.S. states are moving to ban food additives viewed as harmful, setting up a clash with industry groups and making parts of the nation align with Europe, which banned many of the chemicals long ago.

The Illinois Food Safety Act would prohibit the sale of brominated vegetable oil, which is a flavor stabilizer in citrus sodas, and preservatives such as propylparaben and potassium bromate, which are used in baked goods.

The substances have been described as possible carcinogens, meaning they could cause cancer or pose thyroid problems.