It took a few days, but California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the first ban of its kind on six harmful dyes in school food.
The new law bans public schools from serving food and beverages containing synthetic dyes, which California lawmakers believe are linked to neurobehavioral problems experienced by some children.
Gov. Newsom took about a month to sign AB2316, which the California Legislature unanimously passed in early September
“Toxic food colorings that put children at greater risk for hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems that hinder learning have no place in our schools,” said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports. “We have known for years that synthetic food dyes endanger our health, but the FDA has failed to take action to protect the public. California’s groundbreaking new law will ensure that children in schools are not exposed to harmful food dyes that could endanger their health.”
Consumer Reports also has one petition calling on the nation’s largest school meal providers to remove these harmful chemicals from the food they provide to schools across the country.
Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) author of California law, which bans 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. It has been determined that the chemicals neurological behavioral problems in some children.
Last year, Gabriel successfully authored and Newsom signed into law the California Food Safety Act, which banned potassium bromate, propyl paraben, brominated vegetable oil and Red 3 in foods produced, delivered and sold in the state.
The California School Food Safety Act was supported by Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group.
California’s actions follow a 2021 California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment Many food colorings and dyes are known to make some children vulnerable to behavioral problems and reduced attention. This includes the six food colorings covered by the newly enacted California School Food Safety Act.
“School meals provide essential nutrition and calories for countless children every day,” he says Tasha Stoiber, Ph.D.Senior scientist of the Environmental Working Group. “Children deserve healthy food that enhances rather than detracts from their learning, and parents should be able to trust schools to provide safe and nutritious meals.”
Thousands of chemicals are allowed to be used in food sold in the US. Many that the Food and Drug Administration has reviewed have not been reevaluated for decades, even as new science becomes available. For example, research from the two consumer groups supporting the California law shows:
● Red 40 has not been assessed for health risks by the FDA since 1971. Many studies show that this can pose a risk risk to brain development in children, hyperactivity and even cancer.
● Yellow 5 has been approved for use since 1931. The FDA confirmed its use with good manufacturing practices in 1969.
● Yellow 6 was approved for use in 1931 and the FDA confirmed its approval in 1986.
● Blue 1 has been approved for use since 1931. The FDA hasn’t looked into it since 1969.
● Blue 2 was last approved in 1983.
● Green 3 has been authorized for use since 1931 and has not been confirmed since 1982.
Ronholm added: “California’s groundbreaking new law will ensure that children in schools are not exposed to harmful food dyes that could endanger their health. Consumer Reports applauds Assemblymember Gabriel for championing this critical food safety legislation and thanks Governor Newsom for signing it into law.”
Having children lower tolerance levels exposure to chemicals than adults, and their developing bodies make them particularly vulnerable.
“Why should schools serve food containing harmful chemicals that could endanger children’s health?” said Melanie BeneshEWG’s vice president for government affairs.
“These substances can pose serious risks to vulnerable children. It is critical that we protect students from exposure in a place where they need to be fed and focus on learning,” Benesh said.
“We are grateful to Governor Newsom for signing this bill into law, and we commend state lawmakers for taking decisive action to remove these additives from school meals,” she added.
Consumers consistently prioritize food chemical issues over other food safety issues. However, Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group believe that the FDA does not adequately regulate additives.
“The FDA continues to fail to protect us from harmful chemicals in our food,” Benesh said. “In the absence of federal leadership, states like California are taking action to ensure our safety from toxic chemicals in snacks and other foods we and our families enjoy.”
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