California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to investigate the health risks associated with food dyes and explore ways to further regulate the sales of ultra-processed foods such as candy, soda and snacks high in additives.
The executive order aims to promote access to healthier food options, particularly fruits and vegetables, while curbing the consumption of ultra-processed foods known to pose health risks.
The backstory: Last year, Newsom signed bipartisan legislation banning certain synthetic dyes in foods sold in schools, targeting popular snacks like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and Skittles that contain ingredients linked to hyperactivity and adverse behavioral effects in children, including Red No. 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3.
The big picture: The directive mandates the Department of Public Health, the Department of Health Care Services, and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to provide briefings on potential actions to limit the sale of such foods, including the consideration of warning labels on certain junk foods.
- Additionally, Newsom has instructed these agencies to jointly investigate the adverse effects of food dyes and evaluate the feasibility of imposing state penalties on companies that fail to notify the federal Food and Drug Administration when adding certain additives to their products.
Go deeper: State agencies have also been tasked with exploring methods to reduce the sale of soda, candy, and other foods containing synthetic dyes, as well as creating incentives for participants in the CalFresh program to purchase healthy and fresh foods.
- Furthermore, the 11-member State Board of Education, in partnership with the state Department of Education, is to identify how California could adopt higher nutritional standards for school meals that surpass the federal USDA school child nutrition rules by October 1.
What they’re saying: “Ultra-processed foods are known to pose a health risk to individuals, and today’s efforts are designed to support affordable, healthy living and reduce the growing impact of chronic illnesses on Californians,” Newsom said in a statement. “We’re going to work with the industry, consumers and experts to crack down on ultra-processed foods, and create a healthier future for every Californian.”
