Certain foods such as Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and Starburst have been banned in California schools.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 2316 into law, banning six artificial dyes to be served at public schools.
The big picture: The six banned artificial dyes Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2 and Green 3, which have been linked to health and behavioral problems, particularly in children.
- The legislation, known as the California School Food Safety Act, was introduced by Asm. Jesse Gabriel (D–Encino) after a state report linked synthetic food dyes to hyperactivity and neurobehavioral problems in certain children.
- The law will take effect on Dec 31, 2027, allowing manufacturers time to reformulate their recipes, replacing artificial dyes with natural alternatives, such as carrot or beet juice, as is already practiced in the European Union and other regions that prohibit synthetic colors in food and drinks.
Driving the news: Studies have indicated an association between synthetic food dyes and adverse neurobehavioral effects in children, leading to inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and restlessness, both in those with and without pre-existing behavioral disorders.
- The move comes amid an upward trend in ADHD diagnoses nationwide and aims to protect children from the potential harmful effects of these artificial dyes in the food supply.
What they’re saying: “Our health is inextricably tied to the food we eat – but fresh, healthy foods aren’t always available or affordable for families,” Newsom said in a statement. “Today, we are refusing to accept the status quo, and making it possible for everyone, including school kids, to access nutritious, delicious food without harmful, and often addictive additives. By giving every child a healthy start, we can set them on the path to a future with less risk of obesity and chronic illness.”
- Gabriel said he hopes the bipartisan support for his bill will encourage the federal government to take similar action.
- “California is once again leading the nation when it comes to protecting our kids from dangerous chemicals that can harm their bodies and interfere with their ability to learn,” Gabriel said. “This bipartisan law will empower schools to better protect the health and wellbeing of students and sends a strong message to manufacturers to stop using these harmful additives.”
