The California Lawmaker Forcing Big Food to Clean Up Its Act

Jesse Gabriel, a Democratic member of the California Assembly, has been a strong advocate for food safety reform. In 2023, Gabriel introduced the California Food Safety Act, which aimed to ban five chemical additives, including Red No. 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, propylparaben, and titanium dioxide. Despite fierce opposition from the food industry, the bill was eventually signed into law.

Gabriel's background in activism and politics played a significant role in his ability to push through legislation that has become models for other states. By educating colleagues on both sides of the aisle and forgoing political tribalism, Gabriel has managed to secure bipartisan support for his food safety initiatives. As a result, he has successfully passed more food legislation than many other prominent legislators in their careers.

With the upcoming midterms and Democrats searching for messages that resonate with a broader audience, Gabriel's work in food safety has proven to be an effective political strategy. As a chairman of the California Assembly Budget Committee, Gabriel is addressing concerns that transcend party lines and demonstrating that smart food safety regulations have the potential to win elections.