Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Some state lawmakers are declaring war on four food additives they believe are dangerous. A bill would ban them.

“What started as mostly roasting, drying, and grinding,” said the sponsor, State Sen. Willie Preston (D-Chicago), “has turned into ultraprocessing of foods using harmful additives like brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben and red dye No. 3.”

State Sen. Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet) said the problem is especially pronounced in lower-income communities. “Half of the east side of Joliet is a food desert, so people routinely go (to convenience stores) for quick snacks.

“We need those foods to be safe to consume, especially if they are eating them on a daily basis or multiple times a day.”

SB 2637 awaits a Senate vote.