Proposed Bill Aims to Remove Synthetic Dyes from Foods in California Schools
- Whitney Cawood
- Mar 20, 2024
- 1 min read
Updated: Mar 28, 2024
A California lawmaker is set to introduce a bill aimed at prohibiting school cafeterias from serving foods containing Red 40 and six other chemicals associated with potential health and behavioral issues.
Many artificially colored foods are tinted using synthetic petroleum-based chemicals known as dyes, which are not naturally occurring. These colors are employed to enhance the appearance of foods.
In line with concerns over the risks associated with synthetic food dyes, Assembly Bill 2316 seeks to address this issue by prohibiting school cafeterias from serving foods containing six common synthetic dyes. Among these dyes are Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Red 40, which have been linked to hyperactivity and behavioral problems in children, as well as Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2.
Furthermore, the bill aims to restrict the use of titanium dioxide, a whitening agent found in candies and other products. Notably, titanium dioxide is banned in the European Union due to concerns about its potential genotoxicity, which could result in DNA damage and increase the risk of cancer.
For further details, refer to this CSPI article.
Removing synthetic dyes from school foods is a move that really respects health and natural ingredients, which is something I value a lot. It’s critically important to support choices that promote genuine nutrition, especially for kids. On a related note, I recently tried a traditional chorizo recipe that focuses on authentic, clean ingredients. The flavors were rich and true to their roots, showing how real food can be simple yet deeply satisfying. Experiences like these reinforce the value of natural cooking.
I’m really glad to see steps being taken to remove synthetic dyes from school food—it’s a move that supports kids’ long-term health. But safety in schools goes beyond what’s on the plate. In colder areas, I’ve seen how overlooked outdoor hazards like icy sidewalks can lead to serious accidents. That’s why I’ve started using snow and ice melt from Brody Chemical around schools and public buildings. It’s a simple but important way to help create safer environments. When we care about what kids eat, we should also care about the conditions they walk through every day, especially in winter.