Food Additives/Ingredients

Due to the widespread consumption of food additives, The Chanler Group’s clients rigorously monitor this industry to protect consumers from carcinogenic chemicals in their food products.   The State of California identified and listed 4-Methylimidazole (4-MEI) as a chemical known to cause cancer on January 7, 2011.  4-MEI is commonly found in food extracts, flavors, and colorings.  It is formed during the production of certain caramel coloring agents used in many food and drink products, and may also form during the cooking, roasting or other processing of some foods or beverages.  Products that potentially contain 4-MEI include certain colas, beers, soy sauces, breads, and coffee, among other products.

4-MEI became subject to the “clear and reasonable warning” requirements of Proposition 65 on January 7, 2012.  Since then, The Chanler Group has initiated and successfully pursued numerous enforcement actions against companies that distribute or otherwise sell products that exceed the 4-MEI safe harbor level established by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

Today, The Chanler Group's clients continue their efforts to protect the health and safety of all California consumers against exposures to 4-MEI and other coloring agents by investigating products for the presence of these chemicals. 

To review legal agreements which The Chanler Group's clients have reached with companies that sell food extracts, flavors, and colorings, please see the cases below.