California public schools could soon be barred from serving snacks like Doritos and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
Asm. Jesse Gabriel (D–Encino) introduced Assembly Bill 2316 to prevent schools from serving foods that contain certain additives.
The big picture: AB 2316 would ban schools from serving foods that contain six synthetic food dyes – Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2 and Green 3 – as well as titanium dioxide.
- Titanium dioxide, which is used as a coloring agent in sunscreens, cosmetics, paints and plastics, has already been banned for use in foods in the European Union. The EU requires that products continuing the food dyes have a warning label about their potential harms to children.
- A 2021 report from the California Environmental Protection Agency found that the consumption of synthetic food dyes can result in hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems in some children.
The backstory: Last year California passed another bill from Gabriel which banned the use of four chemicals in food sold in the state.
- Chemicals banned in last year’s bill were candy such as skittles, effectively banning such food from the state without modifications.
What they’re saying: Gabriel said in a statement that California has a responsibility to protect its students from chemicals that can harm them and interfere with their ability to learn.
- “As a lawmaker, a parent, and someone who struggled with ADHD, I find it unacceptable that we allow schools to serve foods with additives that are linked to cancer, hyperactivity, and neurobehavioral harms,” Gabriel said. “This bill will empower schools to better protect the health and wellbeing of our kids and encourage manufacturers to stop using these dangerous additives.”
