Donnelly McDowell Quoted on Bipartisan Momentum Behind State Food Regulation

Partner and Advertising and Marketing practice chair Donnelly McDowell was quoted in Chemical & Engineering News’ (C&EN) World Chemical Outlook 2026, in the article ​“States expected to leapfrog feds on food-chemical regulation,” examining the rapid rise of state-level legislation targeting food formulation, processing, and additives, even as the food industry continues to press for federal standards.

The article explores how both blue and red states are advancing restrictions on ingredients such as synthetic dyes, creating a complex and evolving regulatory landscape for food companies. Donnelly noted the unprecedented pace and breadth of state action, observing that food regulation has become one of the few issues gaining bipartisan traction across traditionally divided jurisdictions. ​“There aren’t too many issues where San Francisco and Texas are going to agree,” Donnelly told C&EN, adding, ​“I would have never guessed that we would end up here.”

Read the full article here.