California lawmakers push to ban synthetic food dyes in schools

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California lawmakers are advancing legislation that would prohibit public schools from serving foods containing six synthetic dyes linked to behavioral and developmental issues in children.

Why it matters: The legislation follows a California Environmental Protection Agency report that found synthetic food dyes can cause hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems in some children. The study noted that current FDA approvals of these chemicals are based on outdated research.

Details: The California School Food Safety Act (AB 2316), which passed the State Assembly with bipartisan support, aims to ban Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3 from school meals. The bill also targets titanium dioxide, a coloring agent used in various products.