The MAHA Effect—Even Before Release, Lawmakers Are Acting
Long before the MAHA Report hits the public in May 2025, lawmakers across the country aren’t waiting around. At both the state and federal levels, a wave of action is already underway driven by rare bipartisan agreement on one urgent issue: cleaning up the food supply chain. With a spotlight on protecting younger populations, the momentum is unmistakable.
The Federal Level
The examples below aren’t exhaustive, but they offer a clear glimpse into the direction policy is heading—toward a safer, more transparent food system for all. The FDA has already revoked authorization of Red Dye No. 3 as of January 15, 2025. In April, the FDA, in partnership with HHS, initiated the process to also revoke authorization of two more synthetic dyes: Citrus Red Dye No. 2 and Orange B. Adding to those three, the FDA and HHS are working to remove authorization for six more dyes: Green Dye No. 3, Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, Blue Dye No. 1 and Blue Dye No. 2 by the end of 2026.
While federal agencies have already taken steps to tighten food safety regulations, lawmakers in both the House and Senate are pushing further. A flurry of new bills has been introduced—each aiming to strengthen oversight and accountability across the food supply chain. Though none have crossed the finish line yet, many are actively moving through the legislative process.
Below is a snapshot of the most current proposals, their key focus areas, and where they stand today.
|
Bill |
Focus |
Status |
|
No Toxics in Food Packaging Act of 2023 (H.R. 6105) |
Banning specific substances/chemicals for food packaging materials (Ortho-phthalates, PFAS, Bisphenols, Styrene, Antimony trioxide) |
Did not receive a vote after introduction in October 2023 |
|
Toxic Free Food Act of 2024 (H.R. 9817) |
Opens the door for reassessing prior approvals |
Dormant in committee |
|
Ensuring Safe and Toxic-Free Foods Act of 2025 (S. 3387) |
GRAS process/repealing self-affirming GRAS status. Opens the door to review all prior GRAS (including self-affirmed) approvals. |
Still in the "Introduced" stage and has not advanced beyond the committee referral yet |
|
Food Chemical Reassessment Act of 2025 (H.R. 4306) - companion bill of above |
Reviewing all approved chemicals/additives/substances in food products and dietary supplements. Proposes to start with 10 substances/classes and then continue to review more annually. |
Reintroduced in the House in July 2025 and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Currently in "Introduced" stage. |
|
Do or Dye Act of 2025 (H.R. 33722) |
Phase out petroleum-based synthetic food dyes: Red 40, Yellow 5/6, Blue 1/2, Green 3 by end of 2026 and Citrus Red 2 and Orange B by end of 2025 |
Introduced in June 2025 and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Currently in "Introduced" stage. |
|
Expanded Food Safety Investigation Act of 2025 (H.R. 852) |
Aimed at allowing the FDA to have more access to concentrated animal-feeding operations (CAFOs) for microbiological testing. |
Introduced in January 2025 and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Currently in "Introduced" stage. |
The State Level
Much more activity is happening at the state level and bills are being passed almost weekly due to the speed at which they can move through the system. What is most fascinating about the activity at the state level is that it is truly bipartisan. Blue states and red states are all enacting new laws to either inform, restrict or outright ban many food additives. In some cases, states that would seemingly be divided on most issues, are enacting the same exact laws. This can only be a signal that law makers see the food supply chain as less than desirable in its current state. Some of the more notable state actions that have passed are listed below.
|
State |
Bill |
Focus |
|
California |
California Food Safety Act (AB 418) |
Bans brominated vegetable oil (BVO), potassium bromate, propyl paraben and red dye no. 3 starting in 2027 |
|
California |
California School Food Safety Act |
Bans red dye no. 40, yellow dye no. 5/6, blue dye no. 1/2 and green dye no. 3 by 2027 |
|
Texas |
Warning Labels on Packaged Foods (SB 25) |
Packaged foods containing any of 44 specified additives must display a warning label that the food product contains ingredients not recommended for human consumption in Australia, Canada, the EU or the UK. Effective September 2025. |
|
West Virginia |
Banning Food Dyes in Schools (HB 2354) |
First state to enact a wide-ranging ban on synthetic food dyes in school meals effective August 2025. Banned dyes include: red dye no. 3/40, yellow dye no. 5/6, blue dye no. 1/2, green dye no. 3. In 2028, the bill expands to cover butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and propyl paraben. |
We will continue to watch for updates both federally and at the state level and make posts when notable actions are taken. Dozens of bills are proposed at the state levels addressing various aspects of the MAHA report and we will dive into some of those topics in more depth in future posts. As seen at the federal level, the GRAS process is a target for reform and, in our next post, we will discuss at more depth the GRAS process, especially self-affirmed proclamations, and how potential reform could impact the food industry.
For questions on how the MAHA report may impact your Food and Beverage Innovation reach out to discuss with our team of experts.
Meet the Author
Dan Brouman - President - Eurofins Product Development & Innovation
Since joining Eurofins in 2017, Dan Brouman has been a driving force behind the company’s growth and transformation. With a sharp strategic mind and a passion for innovation, he’s led key initiatives across multiple divisions—from environmental testing to food safety—delivering measurable impact and long-term value.
Dan’s journey began at Eurofins Environmental, where he spearheaded the acquisition of CEI, doubling revenue and significantly improving EBITA margins. He later took the helm at Eurofins Craft Technologies, launching the SAFER@WORK program during the COVID-19 pandemic to help businesses navigate safety protocols. Most recently, his leadership at Eurofins Food Testing Netherlands helped boost profitability and position the operation for future success.
Armed with a B.S. in Economics from John Carroll University and an MBA from The Wharton School, Dan brings deep expertise in financial analysis, pricing strategy, and operational excellence. Today, he leads Eurofins Product Development & Innovation with a clear vision: to push boundaries, elevate standards, and shape the future of food testing and innovation.
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Additional Resources
MAHA - A New Era of Reform and Responsibility
