Texas Legislature passes bill targeting junk food industry

HOUSTON — Junk food warning labels are coming soon to a store aisle near you.

The Texas Legislature just approved a bipartisan bill that requires a clear warning for processed snacks, baked goods, drinks and other food. If Governor Greg Abbott signs Senate Bill 25 into law, as expected, it would become effective in 2027.

The warning is mandatory for all food and drinks that contain additives like food color, bleached flour and other things that most of us can't spell or pronounce.

Popular snacks, drinks impacted by SB 25 include:

The bottom line? Most packaged food sold in Texas that isn't fresh must be labeled.

Food manufacturers fight back

Dozens of major food manufacturers and distributors, including Walmart, KraftHeinz, Hormel, Pepsi and Coca Cola, wrote a letter asking Texa