Healthy PA Package
March 17, 2025 12:19 PM to All House Members
Circulated By
Representative Natalie Mihalek
R House District 40
Along With
Rep. Melissa Shusterman
D House District 157
Rep. David Rowe
R House District 85
Rep. Stephenie Scialabba
R House District 12
Rep. Jennifer O'Mara
D House District 165
Rep. Abby Major
R House District 60
Rep. Justin Fleming
D House District 105
Rep. Joe Hogan
R House District 142
Rep. Ryan Warner
R House District 52
Rep. Joshua Kail
R House District 15
Rep. Shelby Labs
R House District 143
Rep. Robert Leadbeter
R House District 109
Rep. Barbara Gleim
R House District 199
Rep. Lisa Borowski
D House District 168
Rep. Jessica Benham
D House District 36
Rep. Carl Metzgar
R House District 69
Memo
Food can be medicine and food can be poison. We each get to choose what we eat. Or so you would think. The unfortunate reality is that we are all being exposed to toxic ingredients that have taken hold of our food supply. Most of the time we don’t even realize it.
In the 1970s and 80s, obesity rates in the United States were around 15% for adults and 5% for children. During these decades big tobacco companies were buying up large food manufacturers and bringing their scientists along for the ride. This gave birth to the “ultra processed foods” (UPF) that now make nearly two-thirds of the standard American diet.
Today, obesity rates are over 40% for US adults and about 1 in 5 American children are considered to be obese. Type 2 Diabetes in adolescents has surged 200% in just 20 years. Rates of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease increased by 50% over the last 30 years. In the last 20 years, ADHD diagnoses in children have doubled. Incidents of heart disease, certain cancers, cognitive decline in the brain, decreased fertility, hormone disruption, DNA damage, and dozens of diet related chronic diseases have all steadily increased in the last 30 years. Meanwhile the cost of treating and managing preventable chronic disease in the U.S. is priced at $4 trillion annually and growing.
Dozens of other countries have taken steps to protect its citizens from harmful foods either by banning certain ingredients, altering their industrialized farming processes, requiring labels for harmful additives, or even educating its citizenry on healthy habits while the U.S. watches its waistline expand and wait for chronic disease to take hold.
We cannot afford to sit around and wait for something to change. Our food is literally killing us.
In order to protect Pennsylvania consumers, we are introducing a package of bills aimed at cleaning up our food supply as our society demands that we begin to unravel from the tight grip of industrial ingredients.
In the 1970s and 80s, obesity rates in the United States were around 15% for adults and 5% for children. During these decades big tobacco companies were buying up large food manufacturers and bringing their scientists along for the ride. This gave birth to the “ultra processed foods” (UPF) that now make nearly two-thirds of the standard American diet.
Today, obesity rates are over 40% for US adults and about 1 in 5 American children are considered to be obese. Type 2 Diabetes in adolescents has surged 200% in just 20 years. Rates of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease increased by 50% over the last 30 years. In the last 20 years, ADHD diagnoses in children have doubled. Incidents of heart disease, certain cancers, cognitive decline in the brain, decreased fertility, hormone disruption, DNA damage, and dozens of diet related chronic diseases have all steadily increased in the last 30 years. Meanwhile the cost of treating and managing preventable chronic disease in the U.S. is priced at $4 trillion annually and growing.
Dozens of other countries have taken steps to protect its citizens from harmful foods either by banning certain ingredients, altering their industrialized farming processes, requiring labels for harmful additives, or even educating its citizenry on healthy habits while the U.S. watches its waistline expand and wait for chronic disease to take hold.
We cannot afford to sit around and wait for something to change. Our food is literally killing us.
In order to protect Pennsylvania consumers, we are introducing a package of bills aimed at cleaning up our food supply as our society demands that we begin to unravel from the tight grip of industrial ingredients.
Legislation
Document 1 - Introduced as HB 1130
Food Chemical Disclosure Law aka Show us your Science Act
(Mihalek, Shusterman, Labs, Fleming,Borowski)
It is estimated that over 10,000 chemicals have come into our food supply with absolutely zero evidence that those chemicals are safe for consumption. The “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS) loophole in the law allows food companies to add new chemicals to food without FDA approval or any type of independent review. The companies are not even required to disclose the fact that they are introducing a new chemical into the food supply, but can notify the FDA on a voluntary basis--no science required. This loophole was created for common ingredients such as vinegar and sugar, yet it has been exploited for decades.
In the American criminal justice system, every person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. It seems we are taking the same approach with regard to food chemicals. We believe in due process under the law for our citizens, but it should not be the standard for a lab made chemical.
Beginning in 2026, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell food products in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania must disclose the use of any GRAS substances as well as documentation that the notified substance is safe under the conditions of its intended use.
(Mihalek, Shusterman, Labs, Fleming,Borowski)
It is estimated that over 10,000 chemicals have come into our food supply with absolutely zero evidence that those chemicals are safe for consumption. The “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS) loophole in the law allows food companies to add new chemicals to food without FDA approval or any type of independent review. The companies are not even required to disclose the fact that they are introducing a new chemical into the food supply, but can notify the FDA on a voluntary basis--no science required. This loophole was created for common ingredients such as vinegar and sugar, yet it has been exploited for decades.
In the American criminal justice system, every person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. It seems we are taking the same approach with regard to food chemicals. We believe in due process under the law for our citizens, but it should not be the standard for a lab made chemical.
Beginning in 2026, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell food products in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania must disclose the use of any GRAS substances as well as documentation that the notified substance is safe under the conditions of its intended use.
Document 2 - Introduced as HB 1131
Healthy Students Act
(Rowe, Shusterman, Mihalek, Gleim, Leadbetter, Borowski)
Research shows that healthy meals can significantly improve a student’s academic performance, positively impact mood and behavior as well as create healthy habits for life. Research also tells us that the inverse is true—that poor nutrition is linked to issues with brain development, behavioral issues including restlessness, hyperactivity, irritability, and poor academic performance.
While there is no magic formula or special food that if consumed will lead to perfect health and straight A’s, we do believe there is tremendous value in minimizing exposure to risky ingredients.
There is a growing body of evidence that links artificial food dyes to many negative health effects on children including hyperactivity, inattention, irritability, as well as other behavioral and developmental issues. Artificial food dyes serve no nutritional purpose whatsoever. We do not believe these dyes have any place in our schools.
This bill would prohibit the sale of products containing Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2 and Green 3 in any public school in the Commonwealth.
(Rowe, Shusterman, Mihalek, Gleim, Leadbetter, Borowski)
Research shows that healthy meals can significantly improve a student’s academic performance, positively impact mood and behavior as well as create healthy habits for life. Research also tells us that the inverse is true—that poor nutrition is linked to issues with brain development, behavioral issues including restlessness, hyperactivity, irritability, and poor academic performance.
While there is no magic formula or special food that if consumed will lead to perfect health and straight A’s, we do believe there is tremendous value in minimizing exposure to risky ingredients.
There is a growing body of evidence that links artificial food dyes to many negative health effects on children including hyperactivity, inattention, irritability, as well as other behavioral and developmental issues. Artificial food dyes serve no nutritional purpose whatsoever. We do not believe these dyes have any place in our schools.
This bill would prohibit the sale of products containing Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2 and Green 3 in any public school in the Commonwealth.
Document 3 - Introduced as HB 1132
Providing for a statutory definition of Ultra-Processed Foods
(O’Mara, Kail, Mihalek, Fleming)
In terms of human existence, ultra-processed foods (UPF) are a relatively new, industrialized form of food that generally contain substances not commonly used in culinary preparations. While UPFs have only been around for the last few decades, there is a growing body of research on the ingredients used in UPFs as well as the effects of the industrial process used to create them.
This bill will simply create a statutory definition of ultra-processed foods for purposes of clarity in the Agriculture Code.
(O’Mara, Kail, Mihalek, Fleming)
In terms of human existence, ultra-processed foods (UPF) are a relatively new, industrialized form of food that generally contain substances not commonly used in culinary preparations. While UPFs have only been around for the last few decades, there is a growing body of research on the ingredients used in UPFs as well as the effects of the industrial process used to create them.
This bill will simply create a statutory definition of ultra-processed foods for purposes of clarity in the Agriculture Code.
Document 4 - Introduced as HB 1133
BHA labeling
(Scialabba, Major, O’Mara, Hogan, Shusterman, Gleim, Mihalek, Labs)
We believe the Pennsylvania consumer deserves to know exactly what they are consuming. While food packaging contains a list of ingredients, oftentimes that list is quite extensive and many of the ingredients would require a degree in chemistry to ascertain what they are. While there are thousands of chemical additives in our food supply, we believe there are some that should require a warning so that the consumer is immediately made aware of the risk they are taking by consuming it.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole is one such substance. Otherwise known as BHA, this chemical was classified in 1991 by NIH as a human carcinogen despite being used as a preservative in foods such as cereals, frozen pizzas, processed meats, mixes, and a myriad of beverages. It’s use is very limited in other countries due to its potential to disrupt the endocrine system, harm reproductive systems, cause immune system changes, harm to the liver and esophagus, etc. With so many alternatives including extracts from essential oils, we believe the risks far outweigh the benefits. This chemical has been proven guilty yet still remains in our foods and on our store shelves.
This bill would require a label that is separate and distinct from the standardized nutrition label on food that contains BHA which are manufactured or sold in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
(Scialabba, Major, O’Mara, Hogan, Shusterman, Gleim, Mihalek, Labs)
We believe the Pennsylvania consumer deserves to know exactly what they are consuming. While food packaging contains a list of ingredients, oftentimes that list is quite extensive and many of the ingredients would require a degree in chemistry to ascertain what they are. While there are thousands of chemical additives in our food supply, we believe there are some that should require a warning so that the consumer is immediately made aware of the risk they are taking by consuming it.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole is one such substance. Otherwise known as BHA, this chemical was classified in 1991 by NIH as a human carcinogen despite being used as a preservative in foods such as cereals, frozen pizzas, processed meats, mixes, and a myriad of beverages. It’s use is very limited in other countries due to its potential to disrupt the endocrine system, harm reproductive systems, cause immune system changes, harm to the liver and esophagus, etc. With so many alternatives including extracts from essential oils, we believe the risks far outweigh the benefits. This chemical has been proven guilty yet still remains in our foods and on our store shelves.
This bill would require a label that is separate and distinct from the standardized nutrition label on food that contains BHA which are manufactured or sold in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Document 5 - Introduced as HB 1134
Labeling for artificial food dyes
(Scialabba, Major, O’Mara, Mihalek, Labs, Warner, Shusterman)
We believe parents should be armed with all the information available to make healthy choices for their children. With decades of research pointing to negative health consequences when it comes to food dyes, especially in children, we believe parents should be made readily aware that a product contains these dyes.
This bill would require that any food or beverage manufactured or sold in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania which contains one or more of the following artificial dyes to warn consumers on the packaging that the product may affect children’s behavior and health: Red 40, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Green 3.
(Scialabba, Major, O’Mara, Mihalek, Labs, Warner, Shusterman)
We believe parents should be armed with all the information available to make healthy choices for their children. With decades of research pointing to negative health consequences when it comes to food dyes, especially in children, we believe parents should be made readily aware that a product contains these dyes.
This bill would require that any food or beverage manufactured or sold in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania which contains one or more of the following artificial dyes to warn consumers on the packaging that the product may affect children’s behavior and health: Red 40, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Green 3.
Document 6 - Introduced as HB 1135
Banning Paraquat
(Shusterman, Hogan, Mihalek, Fleming, Warner)
Today’s consumer is exposed to many harmful chemical ingredients in our food supply and many of those chemicals are left behind from pesticide use. Paraquat, which is part of the first generation of commercial pesticides, has killed thousands of people across the globe. Even a small amount can be fatal. It has been linked to Parkinson’s disease and childhood leukemia.
Over 70 countries including China and the entire EU have banned its use yet more than 10 million pounds of it are being sprayed on American crops each year. These other countries have found safer alternatives to Paraquat and we think its time Pennsylvania does the same. While federal pesticide law sets a floor, we believe it is time to set the ceiling for our Commonwealth.
(Shusterman, Hogan, Mihalek, Fleming, Warner)
Today’s consumer is exposed to many harmful chemical ingredients in our food supply and many of those chemicals are left behind from pesticide use. Paraquat, which is part of the first generation of commercial pesticides, has killed thousands of people across the globe. Even a small amount can be fatal. It has been linked to Parkinson’s disease and childhood leukemia.
Over 70 countries including China and the entire EU have banned its use yet more than 10 million pounds of it are being sprayed on American crops each year. These other countries have found safer alternatives to Paraquat and we think its time Pennsylvania does the same. While federal pesticide law sets a floor, we believe it is time to set the ceiling for our Commonwealth.
Document 7
Incentivizing Cover Crops
(Mihalek, Benham, Metzgar)
The farming industry in Pennsylvania is as important to our economic health as it is to our history. Whether directly or indirectly, we all rely on these farms to feed our families. With significant industrial advancements came changes to the way farms operated and changes to the soil itself.
Of the many challenges farmers face, weeds, pests, soil erosion, and nutrient loss are just a few that keep them up at night. While crop rotation and planting cover crops during the fall months can help alleviate some of these challenges they of course can be very costly and time consuming.
Cover crops in particular offer significant benefits to soil health, will reduce erosion and runoff and lessen the need for expensive and toxic pesticides and herbicides as well as replenish vital nutrients to the soil.
Healthy soil leads to healthier crops. And we believe that will lead to healthier foods available to our Pennsylvania consumers.
We recognize that there is an upfront cost involved in planting these cover crops but over time they will pay dividends in savings. This bill will first define cover crops as well as incentivize their use through a newly established grant program that will help to offset those costs to our farming community.
(Mihalek, Benham, Metzgar)
The farming industry in Pennsylvania is as important to our economic health as it is to our history. Whether directly or indirectly, we all rely on these farms to feed our families. With significant industrial advancements came changes to the way farms operated and changes to the soil itself.
Of the many challenges farmers face, weeds, pests, soil erosion, and nutrient loss are just a few that keep them up at night. While crop rotation and planting cover crops during the fall months can help alleviate some of these challenges they of course can be very costly and time consuming.
Cover crops in particular offer significant benefits to soil health, will reduce erosion and runoff and lessen the need for expensive and toxic pesticides and herbicides as well as replenish vital nutrients to the soil.
Healthy soil leads to healthier crops. And we believe that will lead to healthier foods available to our Pennsylvania consumers.
We recognize that there is an upfront cost involved in planting these cover crops but over time they will pay dividends in savings. This bill will first define cover crops as well as incentivize their use through a newly established grant program that will help to offset those costs to our farming community.
This document has not been submitted for introduction yet.
Document 8 - Introduced as HR 194
Wellness Month Resolution
(Shusterman, Warner, Labs, Mihalek)
In order to promote a healthy PA, this resolution will declare August as Wellness Month in the Commonwealth. While wellness can take on different meanings, we believe it is crucial in the pursuit of happiness to focus on the mind, body and spirit and during the month of August we encourage all Pennsylvanians to focus on their own well-being. Please join us in co-sponsoring this resolution.
(Shusterman, Warner, Labs, Mihalek)
In order to promote a healthy PA, this resolution will declare August as Wellness Month in the Commonwealth. While wellness can take on different meanings, we believe it is crucial in the pursuit of happiness to focus on the mind, body and spirit and during the month of August we encourage all Pennsylvanians to focus on their own well-being. Please join us in co-sponsoring this resolution.
Last updated on March 17, 2025 12:25 PM
Healthy PA Package
March 17, 2025 12:19 PM to All House Members
Circulated By
MIHALEK and SHUSTERMAN, ROWE, SCIALABBA, O'MARA, MAJOR, FLEMING, HOGAN, WARNER, KAIL, LABS, LEADBETER, GLEIM, BOROWSKI, BENHAM, METZGAR
Memo
Food can be medicine and food can be poison. We each get to choose what we eat. Or so you would think. The unfortunate reality is that we are all being exposed to toxic ingredients that have taken hold of our food supply. Most of the time we don’t even realize it.
In the 1970s and 80s, obesity rates in the United States were around 15% for adults and 5% for children. During these decades big tobacco companies were buying up large food manufacturers and bringing their scientists along for the ride. This gave birth to the “ultra processed foods” (UPF) that now make nearly two-thirds of the standard American diet.
Today, obesity rates are over 40% for US adults and about 1 in 5 American children are considered to be obese. Type 2 Diabetes in adolescents has surged 200% in just 20 years. Rates of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease increased by 50% over the last 30 years. In the last 20 years, ADHD diagnoses in children have doubled. Incidents of heart disease, certain cancers, cognitive decline in the brain, decreased fertility, hormone disruption, DNA damage, and dozens of diet related chronic diseases have all steadily increased in the last 30 years. Meanwhile the cost of treating and managing preventable chronic disease in the U.S. is priced at $4 trillion annually and growing.
Dozens of other countries have taken steps to protect its citizens from harmful foods either by banning certain ingredients, altering their industrialized farming processes, requiring labels for harmful additives, or even educating its citizenry on healthy habits while the U.S. watches its waistline expand and wait for chronic disease to take hold.
We cannot afford to sit around and wait for something to change. Our food is literally killing us.
In order to protect Pennsylvania consumers, we are introducing a package of bills aimed at cleaning up our food supply as our society demands that we begin to unravel from the tight grip of industrial ingredients.
In the 1970s and 80s, obesity rates in the United States were around 15% for adults and 5% for children. During these decades big tobacco companies were buying up large food manufacturers and bringing their scientists along for the ride. This gave birth to the “ultra processed foods” (UPF) that now make nearly two-thirds of the standard American diet.
Today, obesity rates are over 40% for US adults and about 1 in 5 American children are considered to be obese. Type 2 Diabetes in adolescents has surged 200% in just 20 years. Rates of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease increased by 50% over the last 30 years. In the last 20 years, ADHD diagnoses in children have doubled. Incidents of heart disease, certain cancers, cognitive decline in the brain, decreased fertility, hormone disruption, DNA damage, and dozens of diet related chronic diseases have all steadily increased in the last 30 years. Meanwhile the cost of treating and managing preventable chronic disease in the U.S. is priced at $4 trillion annually and growing.
Dozens of other countries have taken steps to protect its citizens from harmful foods either by banning certain ingredients, altering their industrialized farming processes, requiring labels for harmful additives, or even educating its citizenry on healthy habits while the U.S. watches its waistline expand and wait for chronic disease to take hold.
We cannot afford to sit around and wait for something to change. Our food is literally killing us.
In order to protect Pennsylvania consumers, we are introducing a package of bills aimed at cleaning up our food supply as our society demands that we begin to unravel from the tight grip of industrial ingredients.
Document 1
Food Chemical Disclosure Law aka Show us your Science Act
(Mihalek, Shusterman, Labs, Fleming,Borowski)
It is estimated that over 10,000 chemicals have come into our food supply with absolutely zero evidence that those chemicals are safe for consumption. The “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS) loophole in the law allows food companies to add new chemicals to food without FDA approval or any type of independent review. The companies are not even required to disclose the fact that they are introducing a new chemical into the food supply, but can notify the FDA on a voluntary basis--no science required. This loophole was created for common ingredients such as vinegar and sugar, yet it has been exploited for decades.
In the American criminal justice system, every person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. It seems we are taking the same approach with regard to food chemicals. We believe in due process under the law for our citizens, but it should not be the standard for a lab made chemical.
Beginning in 2026, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell food products in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania must disclose the use of any GRAS substances as well as documentation that the notified substance is safe under the conditions of its intended use.
(Mihalek, Shusterman, Labs, Fleming,Borowski)
It is estimated that over 10,000 chemicals have come into our food supply with absolutely zero evidence that those chemicals are safe for consumption. The “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS) loophole in the law allows food companies to add new chemicals to food without FDA approval or any type of independent review. The companies are not even required to disclose the fact that they are introducing a new chemical into the food supply, but can notify the FDA on a voluntary basis--no science required. This loophole was created for common ingredients such as vinegar and sugar, yet it has been exploited for decades.
In the American criminal justice system, every person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. It seems we are taking the same approach with regard to food chemicals. We believe in due process under the law for our citizens, but it should not be the standard for a lab made chemical.
Beginning in 2026, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell food products in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania must disclose the use of any GRAS substances as well as documentation that the notified substance is safe under the conditions of its intended use.
Introduced as HB 1130
Document 2
Healthy Students Act
(Rowe, Shusterman, Mihalek, Gleim, Leadbetter, Borowski)
Research shows that healthy meals can significantly improve a student’s academic performance, positively impact mood and behavior as well as create healthy habits for life. Research also tells us that the inverse is true—that poor nutrition is linked to issues with brain development, behavioral issues including restlessness, hyperactivity, irritability, and poor academic performance.
While there is no magic formula or special food that if consumed will lead to perfect health and straight A’s, we do believe there is tremendous value in minimizing exposure to risky ingredients.
There is a growing body of evidence that links artificial food dyes to many negative health effects on children including hyperactivity, inattention, irritability, as well as other behavioral and developmental issues. Artificial food dyes serve no nutritional purpose whatsoever. We do not believe these dyes have any place in our schools.
This bill would prohibit the sale of products containing Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2 and Green 3 in any public school in the Commonwealth.
(Rowe, Shusterman, Mihalek, Gleim, Leadbetter, Borowski)
Research shows that healthy meals can significantly improve a student’s academic performance, positively impact mood and behavior as well as create healthy habits for life. Research also tells us that the inverse is true—that poor nutrition is linked to issues with brain development, behavioral issues including restlessness, hyperactivity, irritability, and poor academic performance.
While there is no magic formula or special food that if consumed will lead to perfect health and straight A’s, we do believe there is tremendous value in minimizing exposure to risky ingredients.
There is a growing body of evidence that links artificial food dyes to many negative health effects on children including hyperactivity, inattention, irritability, as well as other behavioral and developmental issues. Artificial food dyes serve no nutritional purpose whatsoever. We do not believe these dyes have any place in our schools.
This bill would prohibit the sale of products containing Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2 and Green 3 in any public school in the Commonwealth.
Introduced as HB 1131
Document 3
Providing for a statutory definition of Ultra-Processed Foods
(O’Mara, Kail, Mihalek, Fleming)
In terms of human existence, ultra-processed foods (UPF) are a relatively new, industrialized form of food that generally contain substances not commonly used in culinary preparations. While UPFs have only been around for the last few decades, there is a growing body of research on the ingredients used in UPFs as well as the effects of the industrial process used to create them.
This bill will simply create a statutory definition of ultra-processed foods for purposes of clarity in the Agriculture Code.
(O’Mara, Kail, Mihalek, Fleming)
In terms of human existence, ultra-processed foods (UPF) are a relatively new, industrialized form of food that generally contain substances not commonly used in culinary preparations. While UPFs have only been around for the last few decades, there is a growing body of research on the ingredients used in UPFs as well as the effects of the industrial process used to create them.
This bill will simply create a statutory definition of ultra-processed foods for purposes of clarity in the Agriculture Code.
Introduced as HB 1132
Document 4
BHA labeling
(Scialabba, Major, O’Mara, Hogan, Shusterman, Gleim, Mihalek, Labs)
We believe the Pennsylvania consumer deserves to know exactly what they are consuming. While food packaging contains a list of ingredients, oftentimes that list is quite extensive and many of the ingredients would require a degree in chemistry to ascertain what they are. While there are thousands of chemical additives in our food supply, we believe there are some that should require a warning so that the consumer is immediately made aware of the risk they are taking by consuming it.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole is one such substance. Otherwise known as BHA, this chemical was classified in 1991 by NIH as a human carcinogen despite being used as a preservative in foods such as cereals, frozen pizzas, processed meats, mixes, and a myriad of beverages. It’s use is very limited in other countries due to its potential to disrupt the endocrine system, harm reproductive systems, cause immune system changes, harm to the liver and esophagus, etc. With so many alternatives including extracts from essential oils, we believe the risks far outweigh the benefits. This chemical has been proven guilty yet still remains in our foods and on our store shelves.
This bill would require a label that is separate and distinct from the standardized nutrition label on food that contains BHA which are manufactured or sold in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
(Scialabba, Major, O’Mara, Hogan, Shusterman, Gleim, Mihalek, Labs)
We believe the Pennsylvania consumer deserves to know exactly what they are consuming. While food packaging contains a list of ingredients, oftentimes that list is quite extensive and many of the ingredients would require a degree in chemistry to ascertain what they are. While there are thousands of chemical additives in our food supply, we believe there are some that should require a warning so that the consumer is immediately made aware of the risk they are taking by consuming it.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole is one such substance. Otherwise known as BHA, this chemical was classified in 1991 by NIH as a human carcinogen despite being used as a preservative in foods such as cereals, frozen pizzas, processed meats, mixes, and a myriad of beverages. It’s use is very limited in other countries due to its potential to disrupt the endocrine system, harm reproductive systems, cause immune system changes, harm to the liver and esophagus, etc. With so many alternatives including extracts from essential oils, we believe the risks far outweigh the benefits. This chemical has been proven guilty yet still remains in our foods and on our store shelves.
This bill would require a label that is separate and distinct from the standardized nutrition label on food that contains BHA which are manufactured or sold in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Introduced as HB 1133
Document 5
Labeling for artificial food dyes
(Scialabba, Major, O’Mara, Mihalek, Labs, Warner, Shusterman)
We believe parents should be armed with all the information available to make healthy choices for their children. With decades of research pointing to negative health consequences when it comes to food dyes, especially in children, we believe parents should be made readily aware that a product contains these dyes.
This bill would require that any food or beverage manufactured or sold in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania which contains one or more of the following artificial dyes to warn consumers on the packaging that the product may affect children’s behavior and health: Red 40, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Green 3.
(Scialabba, Major, O’Mara, Mihalek, Labs, Warner, Shusterman)
We believe parents should be armed with all the information available to make healthy choices for their children. With decades of research pointing to negative health consequences when it comes to food dyes, especially in children, we believe parents should be made readily aware that a product contains these dyes.
This bill would require that any food or beverage manufactured or sold in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania which contains one or more of the following artificial dyes to warn consumers on the packaging that the product may affect children’s behavior and health: Red 40, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Green 3.
Introduced as HB 1134
Document 6
Banning Paraquat
(Shusterman, Hogan, Mihalek, Fleming, Warner)
Today’s consumer is exposed to many harmful chemical ingredients in our food supply and many of those chemicals are left behind from pesticide use. Paraquat, which is part of the first generation of commercial pesticides, has killed thousands of people across the globe. Even a small amount can be fatal. It has been linked to Parkinson’s disease and childhood leukemia.
Over 70 countries including China and the entire EU have banned its use yet more than 10 million pounds of it are being sprayed on American crops each year. These other countries have found safer alternatives to Paraquat and we think its time Pennsylvania does the same. While federal pesticide law sets a floor, we believe it is time to set the ceiling for our Commonwealth.
(Shusterman, Hogan, Mihalek, Fleming, Warner)
Today’s consumer is exposed to many harmful chemical ingredients in our food supply and many of those chemicals are left behind from pesticide use. Paraquat, which is part of the first generation of commercial pesticides, has killed thousands of people across the globe. Even a small amount can be fatal. It has been linked to Parkinson’s disease and childhood leukemia.
Over 70 countries including China and the entire EU have banned its use yet more than 10 million pounds of it are being sprayed on American crops each year. These other countries have found safer alternatives to Paraquat and we think its time Pennsylvania does the same. While federal pesticide law sets a floor, we believe it is time to set the ceiling for our Commonwealth.
Introduced as HB 1135
Document 7
Incentivizing Cover Crops
(Mihalek, Benham, Metzgar)
The farming industry in Pennsylvania is as important to our economic health as it is to our history. Whether directly or indirectly, we all rely on these farms to feed our families. With significant industrial advancements came changes to the way farms operated and changes to the soil itself.
Of the many challenges farmers face, weeds, pests, soil erosion, and nutrient loss are just a few that keep them up at night. While crop rotation and planting cover crops during the fall months can help alleviate some of these challenges they of course can be very costly and time consuming.
Cover crops in particular offer significant benefits to soil health, will reduce erosion and runoff and lessen the need for expensive and toxic pesticides and herbicides as well as replenish vital nutrients to the soil.
Healthy soil leads to healthier crops. And we believe that will lead to healthier foods available to our Pennsylvania consumers.
We recognize that there is an upfront cost involved in planting these cover crops but over time they will pay dividends in savings. This bill will first define cover crops as well as incentivize their use through a newly established grant program that will help to offset those costs to our farming community.
(Mihalek, Benham, Metzgar)
The farming industry in Pennsylvania is as important to our economic health as it is to our history. Whether directly or indirectly, we all rely on these farms to feed our families. With significant industrial advancements came changes to the way farms operated and changes to the soil itself.
Of the many challenges farmers face, weeds, pests, soil erosion, and nutrient loss are just a few that keep them up at night. While crop rotation and planting cover crops during the fall months can help alleviate some of these challenges they of course can be very costly and time consuming.
Cover crops in particular offer significant benefits to soil health, will reduce erosion and runoff and lessen the need for expensive and toxic pesticides and herbicides as well as replenish vital nutrients to the soil.
Healthy soil leads to healthier crops. And we believe that will lead to healthier foods available to our Pennsylvania consumers.
We recognize that there is an upfront cost involved in planting these cover crops but over time they will pay dividends in savings. This bill will first define cover crops as well as incentivize their use through a newly established grant program that will help to offset those costs to our farming community.
This document has not been submitted for introduction yet.
Document 8
Wellness Month Resolution
(Shusterman, Warner, Labs, Mihalek)
In order to promote a healthy PA, this resolution will declare August as Wellness Month in the Commonwealth. While wellness can take on different meanings, we believe it is crucial in the pursuit of happiness to focus on the mind, body and spirit and during the month of August we encourage all Pennsylvanians to focus on their own well-being. Please join us in co-sponsoring this resolution.
(Shusterman, Warner, Labs, Mihalek)
In order to promote a healthy PA, this resolution will declare August as Wellness Month in the Commonwealth. While wellness can take on different meanings, we believe it is crucial in the pursuit of happiness to focus on the mind, body and spirit and during the month of August we encourage all Pennsylvanians to focus on their own well-being. Please join us in co-sponsoring this resolution.
Introduced as HR 194
Last Updated
March 17, 2025 12:25 PM
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