Concerns about the potential health risks of food additives, especially for children, have prompted action in recent months by California assembly makers. California Assembly Bill (AB) 2316, proposed in March by Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel (DEncino) to ban dangerous food additives, was passed on May 21 and will be sent to the California Senate for consideration. If passed into law, (AB) 2316 would ban six specific food dyes and titanium dioxide from being served in any of the state's public schools starting July 1, 2025.
A previous bill called the Food Safety Act, also authored by Gabriel, banned brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and Red Dye No. 3 from California schools. The action inspired other states, including New York, Illinois and Pennsylvania, to ban certain ingredients and dyes from school lunch programs, as well.
Many food additives, including artificial dyes, have been linked to various health concerns in children, such as:
Neurobehavioral problems: Studies suggest a connection between food dyes and hyperactivity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other behavioral issues.
Cancer: Some dyes, like Red Dye No. 40, have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
DNA damage and immune system harm: Titanium dioxide, used as a food coloring to make products appear whiter and colors appear more vivid, has been associated with these health problems.
California is taking a proactive approach to protect children's health. The state's $1.6 billion school lunch program serves millions of students, and many of the foods served contain these potentially harmful additives.
The bill prohibits foods with the following ingredients from being served in schools:
- Titanium Dioxide
- Red Dye No. 40
- Yellow Dye No. 5
- Yellow Dye No. 6
- Blue Dye No. 1
- Blue Dye No. 2
- Green Dye No. 3
A ban on these food dyes would mean that foods like Flaming Hot Cheetos, Skittles, Strawberry Pop-Tarts, Froot Loops, Cap'n Crunch, Gatorade, and some flavors of Doritos would not be available in schools.
The bill's passage reflects growing concerns about the potential health risks of food additives, especially for children. California's action could inspire other states to follow suit and encourage manufacturers to develop safer alternatives.
- The bill is supported by consumer and environmental groups like Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group.
- Many food additives haven't been reevaluated by the FDA for decades despite new scientific evidence.
- Children are more vulnerable to the effects of chemicals due to their developing bodies.