Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

No Tricks on Treats Act of 2025

Summary

The "No Tricks on Treats Act of 2025" aims to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. It mandates that food products containing synthetic dyes, artificial or natural flavorings, and nonnutritive sweeteners must prominently declare these ingredients on their packaging's principal display panel. This proposed legislation seeks to enhance transparency in food labeling for consumers.

Expected Effects

If enacted, the act would require food manufacturers to clearly label products containing specific additives. Consumers would have more information available to make informed purchasing decisions. This could lead to changes in consumer behavior and potentially influence the formulation of food products.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased transparency in food labeling, allowing consumers to make more informed choices.
  • Potential reduction in consumption of artificial ingredients if consumers are deterred by the labeling.
  • May encourage manufacturers to use fewer artificial additives.
  • Empowers individuals with allergies or sensitivities to avoid problematic ingredients.
  • Promotes healthier eating habits by raising awareness of food contents.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Increased labeling costs for manufacturers, potentially leading to higher food prices.
  • Possible consumer confusion due to additional information on food packaging.
  • Potential for negative perception of products with labeled additives, even if safe.
  • May disproportionately affect smaller food producers who may struggle with compliance costs.
  • Enforcement challenges for the FDA to ensure accurate and consistent labeling.

Constitutional Alignment

The proposed act aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. Food labeling requirements fall under this power as they affect the sale and distribution of food products across state lines. The act does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Constitution or its amendments.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).