SB Bill 2637, introduced by Sen. Willie Preston (D), was assigned to the Senate Public Health Committee on January 24.

The bill, labeled by some as the “Skittle law,” is so-called because one of the ingredients it would ban is used in the popular Skittle candies. If passed, the legislation would ban the use of brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye 3 in Illinois food and beverage products, requiring food and beverage manufacturers to use different ingredients.

The legislation provides for civil fines for individuals and entities that “manufacture, sell, deliver, distribute, hold, or offer for sale” food or beverage products containing these ingredients.

Last fall, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposed revoking authorization to use brominated vegetable oil in food due to health concerns.