I’m about to say a dirty word for some Texans, so brace yourself: California recently made the right move to ban five potentially dangerous foods from store shelves. And before you assume that it’s an act of pearl-clutching liberalism, let’s take a look at these ingredients and how dangerous they can be.

The California Food Safety Act was passed late last year, banning four food additives. A fifth food additive was dropped from the orginal bill. We will look at each ingredient, its use, and how it can harm your health.

But first: remember you are your own best advocate. You can be on the lookout for these ingredients and choose not to purchase them if you want to protect yourself or your family from potentially adverse effects.

Found in some fruit-flavored drinks, energy drinks, fruit-flavored syrups, and baked goods. It’s used to keep, “flavorings from separating and floating to the top of the beverage.”

What’s the problem? According to Consumer Reports:

Peer-reviewed studies conducted on rodents have linked brominated vegetable oil (BVO) to neurological problems; thyroid, heart and liver problems; and behavioral, developmental, and reproductive issues. 

Found in baked goods and some frozen foods. Used to cause dough to rise higher, strengthen dough and enhance dough texture.

What’s the problem? It may increase a person’s risk of developing cancer.

Found In packaged foods like tortillas, baked goods, and cake icing. It is a preservative that extends shelf life.

What’s the problem? It has been shown, “to cause endocrine disruption and reproductive issues in lab animal testing,” according to Consumer Reports.

Found in red-colored foods. Many U.S. snack foods and drinks contain it.

What’s the problem? It has been linked to thyroid tumors in lab animals and hyperactivity in human children. Some people also experience a skin allergy to it nd it has been linked to bladder cancer. Weirdly, it’s been banned in cosmetics for decades but is still allowed in our food.

NOT BANNED IN CA YET: Titanium dioxide

Found in: creamer, sauces, chocolate, candy. It’s used to make foods look whiter, or as a primer to make other colorings look brighter.

What’s the problem? Its been linked to digestive problems and is banned in Europe because it may damage genetic material. Yikes.

Not really. Many of these ingredients have been banned in Europe for a long time. That’s why Italian Fanta is made with real orange juice, whereas U.S. Fanta is made with artificial dyes and colors. I know which one I would prefer.

Think Texas should follow California on this one particular issue? Head to Texas.gov to find your representative and let them know how you feel.

Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (IESNA) announced registration is now open for its new regional event slated for November 19 to 20, 2024, at the Austin Marriott Downtown in Austin, Texas.

Focused on supporting the product, information and connection needs of solar + storage professionals doing or seeking business within the state, the inaugural IESNA Texas conference and trade show will feature a curated exhibit hall, educational program and networking opportunities — delivering a valuable, accessible and productive experience to all participants.

“Our goal for IESNA Texas is to help solar + storage professionals find, understand and accelerate business opportunities in Texas’s clean energy economy,” said Wes Doane, VP of Intersolar & Energy Storage North America. “Over the course of one-and-a-half days, attendees will be able to efficiently source solutions from credible companies; gain insights and information on the Texas market; and build meaningful relationships with peers who understand their challenges.”

Event highlights

• 15 conference sessions (with focus areas including Finance, Market Development and Trends, as well as Policy and Regulations, Manufacturing and Supply Chain, IRA Tax Implications, Workforce, and more) selected by an experienced Conference Committee and association partners, Texas Solar Energy Society and Texas Solar Power Association.
• Nearly 40 innovative exhibitors, including APsystems, EPC Power, EndurEnergy, Scorpius Tracker, SEG Solar, SkyFri, and more showcasing their solutions within what will be a sold-out exhibit hall.
• Insightful keynote presentations by clean energy leaders and advocates.
• Daily networking luncheons to build professional connections and facilitate peer discussion.
• An open-to-all Happy Hour and Launch Party celebration, featuring live music and refreshments.

Early Bird registration is now open, with Conference and Exhibit Hall passes available at their lowest rates. Pass quantities are limited: attendees are encouraged to register early to secure their spot.

Companies interested in exhibiting in Austin are encouraged to contact the Intersolar & Energy Storage North America team.

News item from Intersolar & Energy Storage North America

The No. 1 seed Texas Longhorns and the No. 16 seed Texas A&M Aggies are set for a postseason edition of the Lone Star Showdown starting on Friday in the Austin Super Regional at Red & Charline McCombs Field.

Under sixth-year head coach Mike White, top overall national seed Texas is hosting its first Super Regional in Austin since 2013 and looking for the program’s second appearance in the Women’s College World Series under White after three Super Regional losses and the runner-up finish to Oklahoma in 2022.

The expectations for these Longhorns are arguably as high as any NCAA Tournament in program history — Texas has never earned the top overall national seed, long overshadowed by the specter of Patty Gasso’s powerhouse, seven-time champion Oklahoma, which won three straight titles from 2021 to 2023, including the title win over White’s rising Longhorns two years ago.

Texas enters the weekend with a 4-3 record over Texas A&M in the postseason with a three-game winning streak against the Aggies dating back to 2017 and the type of team that should get to Oklahoma City and compete for the program’s first national championship since beginning varsity intercollegiate play in 1997.

The domination of White’s program so far this season arguably starts in the circle with three reliable starting pitchers and two relievers, all of whom have an ERA under 2.00. Three of the four have WHIPS under 1.00. Citlaly Gutierrez and Teagan Kavan both earned first-team All-Big 12 honors while Arizona State transfer Mac Morgan, a former top-10 recruit, came within an out of throwing a perfect game in the Austin Regional opening win over Siena, settling for a no-hitter instead. Kavan was named the Big 12 Freshman Pitcher of the Year with an 18-2 record, a 1.87 ERA, and a team-high 113 strikeouts.

The offense is equally high-powered, however — led by catcher/first baseman Reese Atwood, the first Big 12 Player of the Year for the Horns since Taylor Thom in 2014, Texas hit .383, leading the conference, with 84 home runs and a 1.095 OPS.

At the time of the Big 12 awards, Atwood led the nation with 83 RBI and topped the Big 12 with 21 home runs, the single-season high at Texas. All of the regular starters bat .358 or better, although catcher/infielder Katie Stewart is the only Longhorn other than Atwood with double-digit home runs.

Texas A&M doesn’t have nearly as much depth at pitcher, relying heavily on left-hander Emiley Kennedy, who pitched two complete games in the College Station Regional, holding opponents to a .132 batting average. Kennedy’s 10 shutouts are third nationally while throwing 23 complete games in her 27 starts to go with five saves. Expect Kennedy to start the first two games — there’s more dropoff for the Aggies after Kennedy then there is for the Longhorns.

Shortstop Koko Wooley keys a Texas A&M lineup that collectively hits .307, leading the Aggies with 19 steals and a .389 average, although she only has seven extra-base hits this season.

How to watch

Times (all times Central): 5:00 p.m. Central, 4 p.m. Central, if necessary

Location: Red & Charline McCombs Field

TV: ESPN2, TBD

Streaming: WatchESPN

Weather: Partly cloudy, 93 degrees, wind S 8 mph