Colorado Democrats Aim to Regulate Popular Food Additive Due to New Suicide Trend

A bill is making its way through the Colorado state legislature, sparking debate and some criticism from those who argue that it is an example of unnecessary overregulation and needless laws.

The proposed legislation, HB24-1081, seeks to regulate the sale and transfer of highly concentrated sodium nitrite, a popular food additive that has been used in Colorado suicides 25 times in five years.

PRIME SPONSORS

• Rep. Judy Amabile

• Rep. Marc Catlin

• Sen. Dylan Roberts

• Sen. Byron Pelton

State Representative Judy Amabile, a Boulder Democrat and one of the prime sponsors of the bill, says the bill aims to restrict the access to highly concentrated sodium nitrite unless individuals have a legitimate business purpose for purchasing these products.

Amabile emphasizes that while sodium nitrite is commonly used for curing meat and fish, the super concentrated form targeted by the bill serves no such culinary purpose.

The bill highlights the statistics surrounding sodium nitrite-related deaths in Colorado. According to the bill, between 2018 and 2023, at least 25 people in Colorado have died from sodium nitrite.

The bill proposes civil penalties for violators, with a hefty $10,000 fine for the first offense.

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Amabile points out that other states are also taking action to regulate the online sales of highly concentrated sodium nitrite. California has already passed similar legislation, and New York is currently working on its own version. However, Amabile asserts that Colorado's bill is more comprehensive than any other state's efforts.

HB24-1081 has already cleared the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee unanimously, showcasing initial support within the legislature. The bill will now move to the House floor for further deliberation before making its way to the Senate.