AUSTIN, TX — On June 22, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 25 into law, making Texas the first U.S. state to mandate warning labels on food products containing certain additives. The legislation targets 44 specific ingredients, including synthetic dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5, as well as titanium dioxide and partially hydrogenated oils. The law requires that, starting January 1, 2027, packaged foods sold in Texas display a warning label stating that the product contains an ingredient not recommended for human consumption by authorities in Australia, Canada, the European Union, or the United Kingdom.
The law, part of the “Make Texas Healthy Again” initiative, aims to promote healthier eating habits and increase transparency about food ingredients. It also includes provisions for enhanced nutrition education in schools and continuing education for health professionals.
Supporters of the law argue that it empowers consumers to make informed choices and encourages manufacturers to reformulate products with safer ingredients. Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, stated, “This represents a big win for Texas consumers and consumers overall.”
However, the legislation has faced criticism from industry groups. The Consumer Brands Association expressed concerns that the warning labels could mislead consumers and increase costs for manufacturers. John Hewitt, the association’s senior vice president of state affairs, noted, “The labeling requirements of SB 25 mandate inaccurate warning language, create legal risks for brands, and drive consumer confusion and higher costs.”
Some experts have also pointed out inconsistencies in the law’s list of additives. For instance, titanium dioxide is banned in the European Union but remains permissible in Canada, Australia, and the UK. Thomas Galligan, a scientist with the Center for Science in the Public Interest, commented, “Warnings have to be accurate … .”
The law’s impact is expected to be significant, potentially affecting thousands of products, including popular snacks and beverages. Manufacturers may choose to reformulate products, add warning labels, or withdraw items from the Texas market. Given Texas’s large consumer base, these changes could influence product formulations and labeling practices nationwide.
In addition to the labeling requirements, Senate Bill 25 mandates daily physical activity and nutrition education for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It also requires universities and medical schools to include nutrition courses to qualify … Starting in 2027, health professionals such as doctors and nurses must complete ongoing nutrition and metabolic health education as … license renewal process.
The law is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with enforcement of the labeling requirements beginning in 2027. As the implementation date approaches, food manufacturers and industry stakeholders will need to navigate the new regulations and assess their impact on product offerings and consumer communication.
