Will Massachusetts be the Next State to Ban Skittles in the US?
They’re sugary, they’re colorful, they’re getting banned in California. Could Massachusetts be next?
California is taking a serious stand against additives present in candies, cereals, and sodas. They’re calling this newly signed law ‘the Skittles ban’ because as you could guess, tasting the rainbow loads you up with all sorts of those aforementioned additives. The bill, more formally known as the California Food Safety Act (or even more formally as ‘Assembly Bill 418’) was signed into law in California by Gov. Gavin Newsom last week.
The ‘Skittles ban‘ bill says adios to potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, propylparaben, and Red Dye 3 – additives found in almost 12,000 food items in the US, all without US FDA approval.
More states are expected to follow in California’s footsteps and sign similar bills into law. Could Massachusetts be next? Lawmakers are discussing that possibility now.
So soon Skittles will be a thing of the past in California unless they clean up that ingredient list which would likely result in more muted colors and possibly less punchy fruit flavors. Maybe they can pivot from “taste the rainbow” to “taste the dreary day” or maybe they could just change their name in California from Skittles to Melancholy.
Getting rid of additives and unnecessary ingredients that can be harmful to us is obviously a good idea but my childhood nostalgia and not-knowing-better is in the corner weeping right now.
Uh oh Skittles. With all this bad press and even a Bill named after you (in not the most pleasant way), I’m sure you’ll soon end up on the following list: Worst Trick or Treat Hand Outs for Halloween.
Time to reminisce about some candies you always hated more than Skittles – though now that Skittles is the candy aisle’s public enemy #1 it would feel right at home below. LOL
9 Worst Trick or Treat Handouts for Halloween
Key Chains
Keychains are handy, but they’re not exactly the kind of treasure kids hope to find in their candy haul. They want stuff that’s sweet, not stuff for keys they don’t have. Save yourself some money and pass on key chains.
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Hygiene Products
We all know cleanliness is important, but getting soap, shampoo, or hand sanitizer in your treat bag on Halloween is not what kids look forward to. It’s a treat, not a trip to the pharmacy. It’s like getting socks for Christmas. While practical, it’s not exactly exciting.
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Loose Change
Coins may have been an acceptable treat decades ago, but nowadays, they’re seen as disappointing. Kids prefer candy. Or maybe small toys (if they’re exciting/cool enough). Unless, you’re giving away the big bucks, steer clear of this one.
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Trail Mix
Healthy snacks are great, but Halloween is all about the sugar rush. Kids aren’t exactly thrilled to find a mix of fruit and nuts in their bag. They’re hoping for chocolates and gummies, not something they associate with after-school snacks.
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Coupons
Adults may appreciate coupons for discounts at local businesses, but they don’t make for a fun Halloween treat for kids. Saving money is cool, but Halloween is all about instant gratification. And coupons for discounts don’t really make the cut.
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Brochures or Pamphlets
Halloween is not the time to distribute religious or informational materials. Kids are looking for fun and treats, not pamphlets. Consider giving those away another day that’s not Halloween.
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Toothbrushes and Dental Floss
Halloween is all about the candy, right? So, if you toss a toothbrush or dental floss into a kid’s stash of treats, you’re basically inviting disappointment. Plus, it’s safe to assume that the trick-or-treater already has a toothbrush. Do they truly need another one?
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Unwrapped Candy
Throwing unwrapped candy into a plastic pumpkin? That’s just asking for a sticky mess. Plus, it’s not the cleanest option. And given the concerns these days, it’s just another worry for parents who fear someone might mess with their child’s candy.
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Homemade Treats
Those fancy homemade snacks that look like they came straight from Pinterest can be cute, but if you don’t really know the kids or their parents, they might wonder about your intentions. Sticking to pre-packaged treats is your best bet on Halloween, especially if you’re trying to keep trick-or-treating simple and sanitary.
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