Is the Government Coming For Our Snacks?

Oh no, snackpocalypse alert! A viral image has been sweeping Facebook faster than a Cheeto stain on a white shirt, causing snack lovers everywhere to clutch their munchies in despair. The alarming headline screams: “Everyday food snacks facing ban,” featuring none other than the snack hall of fame: Lucky Charms, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Oreos, and Gatorade. The post, with over 48,000 shares, dramatically declares, “UNITED STATES YOUR FAVS ARE COMING TO AN END!!” It's like Game of Thrones, but with more sugar and less dragons.

Despite the flashy Fox News logo slapped on it, The Dispatch Fact Check couldn’t even confirm if this image was real or just a snack fan's fever dream. It turns out this image is more 'flavor' than 'fact.' The snacks shown would face some restrictions under new proposals, but most of these scary additives aren’t even on the regulatory chopping block yet. The only real ban is in California and won’t kick in until 2027. That’s right, you've got five years to stockpile those Oreos.

But what’s all the fuss about food additives? Recent legislative shenanigans have thrown a spotlight on these menacing molecules. California is leading the charge with a ban starting in 2027 on certain substances in your snacks. Meanwhile, other states like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Illinois are tossing their hats in the ring with similar proposals. There’s even talk at the national level, but those bills are stuck in Congress like gum under a desk.

And for all the Oreo-philes out there, breathe easy. Your beloved black-and-white cookies are mostly safe. The dyes causing all this fuss aren’t even in classic Oreos. But if you're into those wild Oreo flavors like Mint or the upcoming Sour Patch Kids variety, well, you might have to keep an eye out. They’ve got some of those controversial colors.

So, before you build a bunker for your snack stash, remember, it's mostly just legislative chatter for now. In the meantime, carry on crunching those Cheetos—just maybe don't wear white while doing it.