On Monday, March 24, the United States made a significant advancement in food regulation. Under the guidance of newly appointed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., West Virginia became the first state in history to ban food containing artificial dyes and two widely used preservatives, a landmark decision that was driven by scientific evidence linking these additives to potential health risks.
While the ban is to officially start in June of 2028, as stated by CBS News, Governor Patrick Morrisey has decided to begin prohibiting the use of dyes and preservatives in school lunches across the state starting in August of this year.
The dyes being banned are Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Red No. 40 and Red No. 3. These are all commonly used to add bright colors to foods to make them more appealing and attractive to children. Previous studies in 2021 have shown that these food dyes may “increase hyperactivity and other behavioral problems in some children,” according to The New York Times. A fan-favorite Froot Loops will no longer be in the loop.
The preservatives in question are propylparaben and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). Propylparaben is commonly found in items such as tortillas, chips, processed cheeses, and various baked goods. Research has suggested that it may disrupt normal hormone levels in the body. BHA is commonly added to processed meats, frozen ready-to-eat meals, and snacks to help preserve fats and prevent spoilage. There is a slight linking between BHA levels and cancer levels in the body, which classifies BHA as an unofficial carcinogen.
This act was passed following both California’s similar food-wide bans in 2021, as well as Kennedy’s push against dyes and preservatives in recent Senate meetings. It is expected that food manufacturers will be forced to “reformulate products with natural dyes and artificial preservatives so that they can be sold in West Virginia and in other states that may adopt similar legislation”, according to The Times.
According to Morrisey, “West Virginia ranks at the bottom of many public health metrics, which is why there’s no better place to lead the Make America Healthy Again mission.” He referenced the campaign slogan championed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has emphasized removing artificial dyes from food and beverages nationwide as a key priority.
While some concerns have been raised about the new laws restricting popular consumer products, the government and advocates remain hopeful that food manufacturers will adopt these standards nationwide. They envision a future where the American food industry prioritizes cleaner, safer ingredients. And if that means saying goodbye to Froot Loops, it may be a tough loss—but ultimately, a step in the right direction.
