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Many states are contemplating legislation aimed at removing synthetic colorants from their food supplies as part of an expanding initiative led by Robert F Kennedy Jr.

During the initial quarter of this year, legislation was proposed in 20 states aiming to ban colorings and other food additives that have been
linked to cancer
, hyperactivity and various health issues.

California
And Virginia are the only two states where laws have been enacted and will take effect in the upcoming years — both of these changes stand out.
outlawed certain additives
from school lunches.

West
Virginia
is about to
implementing a far more comprehensive prohibition
This would ban the sale of all food items containing seven specific artificial colorings across the state.

Traditionally, states led by Republicans would have found themselves at odds with policies that restrict free market operations.

However, RFK Jr.’s initiative called Make America Healthy Again resonated with the increasing awareness among people.
concern about harmful ingredients
And their possible connection to America’s long-standing health crisis.

Activists from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a group that advocates for healthier foods, stated:

‘Time and again the

FDA

Has not taken adequate steps to regulate potentially dangerous food additives. With no intervention at the federal level, states have taken initiative to safeguard their residents from hazardous food substances.

In total, 30 states are currently pursuing prohibitions on artificial food coloring or additives.

Over 50 food colorings, with 10 being synthetic or artificially created, have received approval from the FDA for usage in foods and drinks.

These additives don’t offer any nutritional or health advantages; they are employed solely to improve the visual attractiveness and allure of food items for consumers—especially children.

Several European nations have already prohibited specific additives including Red 3, and they now mandate that products containing colorings such as Yellow 5 and Red 40 must display cautionary labeling on their packages.

According to the EWG, these 17 states have suggested prohibitions on food coloring additives:
Arizona
,
Connecticut
,
Florida
,
Hawaii
,
Indiana
,
Iowa
,
Kentucky
,
Massachusetts
,
Missouri
, New York,
Oklahoma
,
Pennsylvania
,
Rhode Island
,
Texas
,
Utah
, Virginia and
West Virginia
.

Various states are exploring prohibitions on additional food additives such as propyl paraben and potassium bromate, substances associated with hormonal imbalances and potential development of kidney or digestive system cancers.

Propyl paraben serves as a preservative in baked items to inhibit mold growth for an extended period, whereas potassium bromate aids in making bread rise more effectively and attain a deeper white hue.

These are:
Arkansas
,
Illinois
,
Maryland
,
Minnesota
,
New Hampshire
,
New Jersey
,
New Mexico
,
North Carolina
,
Oregon
,
Wisconsin
,
South Dakota
,
Vermont
, Washington and Wisconsin.

West Virginia is nearest to implementing the proposed law, as its comprehensive bill has been approved by both the state House and Senate.
Senate
.

It is currently awaiting a signature from Governor Patrick Morrisey, a Republican who has indicated he is inclined to approve it—stating to local media that he was a ‘strong supporter of providing access to nutritious meals.’

On last Friday, Virginia turned into the second state to prohibit foods with seven artificial colorings from school meals when the Governor signed the bill.
Glenn Youngkin
.

The prohibition includes Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, with the regulation scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2027.

After signing the legislation, Youngkin stated, “This is among the most significant bills I anticipate we’ll endorse throughout our administration—eliminating detrimental, synthetic colorants from educational institutions.”

He stated: “What we understand is that these artificial food colorings, which are essentially chemicals added to our foods, lead to issues—real concerns—and hence we are taking this stance.”

This follows California’s decision to prohibit the use of those synthetic dyes in school meals starting from September last year, with the regulation scheduled to take effect on December 31, 2027.

The FDA has mandated the removal of Red 3 from food products sold in the United States by 2027 and from medicines by 2028 due to worries about its potential carcinogenic effects.

This coloring agent is behind the vibrant red hues seen in candies and lollipops; however, natural substitutes have become available nowadays.

Last July, the agency additionally announced a ban on brominated vegetable oil due to worries that it might harm the nervous system and cause skin irritation.

The prohibition on beverages such as Sundrop went into effect in August 2024, giving businesses a year to modify their formulations.

A number of states are additionally pushing for a prohibition on Red 40, commonly known as Allura red, which is present in various well-known treats such as Doritos, Skittles, and Pepsi.

In December 2022,
researchers in Canada
discovered that ingesting the dye increased the likelihood of developing serious intestinal issues in mice. Additionally, the dye includes benzidine, which is known to be a human carcinogen.

Sun Yellow 5 is also facing scrutiny as it may be associated with potential triggers of hyperactivity in kids and harm to DNA. This coloring agent is also found in products like Doritos, fruit juices, and biscuits.

Likewise, Yellow 6—which is present in sweet cereals such as Lucky Charms—and Blue 1—found in treats like gummy bears—have also been associated with increased hyperactivity.

Research on animals has indicated that Blue 2, commonly present in sports beverages, as well as Green 3, frequently found in salad dressings, may increase the likelihood of tumor development, notably in the bladder and testicles.

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