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

Halloween is the time of year when spookiness takes center stage, and creative costumes rule the streets. It’s also the day of the beloved tradition, trick-or-treating. Whether you're a kid dreaming of a candy jackpot or an adult admiring the neighborhood's costume creativity while handing out treats, it's a highlight of the year.

However, you'll always find that one neighbor who likes to shake things up by handing out something other than candy. It's not always a bad thing, though. Some people do it for a good reason, like considering kids with dietary restrictions. But if you're considering going outside the box, you should avoid certain trick-or-treat handouts.

Let's talk about the Halloween horrors, the stuff no one wants in their trick-or-treat bag. First on the list are those infamous toothbrushes or dental floss packs. Halloween is the one night a year when kids can indulge in a sugar frenzy, and suddenly, you're handed a dental hygiene product. It's like being told to eat your veggies at a birthday party. Then there are the homemade treats. While some homemade goodies can be delicious, receiving unlabeled, homemade treats can make even the bravest trick-or-treater think twice; also, most parent's won't feel comfortable with that and may dispose of them. All of your hard work will go to waste! Safety is paramount on Halloween, and unwrapped or unlabeled edibles can raise concerns.

Another item to avoid is pennies. They're not even worth the trip to the store, and they make you question if you've accidentally stumbled into a time machine back to the 1950s. If you’re going to give out money on Halloween, make it worthwhile if you can swing it. While Halloween is all about surprises, pennies are definitely not the kind of surprises anyone hopes for.

Take a look at some of the worst trick-or-treat handouts for Halloween.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.