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HB 1004

Public Health - Prohibited Ingredients in Food

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tiffany Alston and 19 co-sponsors

Maryland HB 1004 would ban unspecified ingredients from foods sold in the state, affecting consumer access and manufacturers' compliance costs pending March hearing details.

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Bill Summary · HB 1004

Legislative bill overview

HB 1004 proposes to prohibit certain ingredients from being used in food products sold in Maryland. The bill is currently in early stages of the legislative process, having completed its first reading in the Health committee with a hearing scheduled for March 3, 2026. The specific ingredients targeted and enforcement mechanisms are not detailed in the available information.

Why is this important

Food ingredient regulation directly affects consumer safety, food manufacturing costs, and market access for producers. Maryland's decision could influence other states' policies and impact food companies' ability to sell products across different regulatory environments. Such measures reflect growing public concern about food safety and ingredient transparency.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory scope and definition: Unclear which specific ingredients are prohibited and whether exemptions apply to certain food categories or manufacturing processes
  • Economic impact on manufacturers: Food producers may face significant reformulation costs, potential supply chain disruptions, and reduced product availability if viable alternatives don't exist
  • Interstate commerce concerns: State-level bans may conflict with federal FDA approval of ingredients, creating compliance challenges and potentially affecting food pricing and availability for Maryland consumers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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