The new law will require labels on foods containing 44 dyes or additives commonly found in the country’s food supply, such as in baked goods, candy and drinks.

For example, the food additive azodicarbonamide, known as ADA and used as a bleaching agent in cereal flours, is included on the Texas list. But under the Federal Code of Regulations, it may safely be used in food under certain conditions. That federal regulation likely exempts ADA from the state labeling law, Benesh said.

"The ingredients used in the U.S. food supply are safe and have been rigorously studied following an objective science- and risk-based evaluation process," the Consumer Brands Ass