California Passes First-in-Nation Ban on Toxic Dyes in School Food

The California Legislature has passed Assembly Bill 2316, also known as the California School Food Safety Act, which aims to ban six artificial food dyes from public school meals. The bill, introduced by Democratic Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and co-sponsored by Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group, targets Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, Blue Dye No. 1, Blue Dye No. 2, and Green Dye No. 3. These chemicals have been associated with neurobehavioral problems in some children, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity.

If signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, California would become the first state to prohibit these additives in school cafeterias. The legislation is set to go into effect in December 2027. The bill also includes bans on other chemicals like potassium bromate, propylparaben, brominated vegetable oil, and Red Dye No. 3 from food manufactured, delivered, and sold in California. While the FDA has not established a causal link between these dyes and behavioral issues in the general population, the bill's proponents argue that natural alternatives exist and the measure will protect children's health. Critics, such as the Consumer Brands Association, argue that the bill undermines the regulatory process and ignores existing science.