CHICAGO - Senator Willie Preston today commended the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its decision to ban brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a harmful food additive that has posed significant health risks to consumers for decades. However, Senator Preston emphasized that more action is needed to protect public health, particularly in Illinois.

"It’s great that the FDA has finally banned brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a dangerous additive that has no place in our food. However, this is just one step, and we need the FDA to ban other harmful additives such as red dye 3," said Senator Preston. "In Illinois, we shouldn’t wait and allow people, especially children, to continue consuming these dangerous substances. This is why we need to pass the Illinois Food Safety Act, which I proudly sponsored. The health and safety of our communities depend on it, and we must act now."

The Illinois Food Safety Act aims to remove harmful additives from food products sold within the state, providing greater protection for Illinois residents. By proactively addressing these concerns, the Act seeks to eliminate the dangers posed by substances like red dye 3, which has been linked to various health issues, particularly in children.

Senator Preston’s call to action highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for state-level leadership as we wait for more comprehensive federal regulations.