California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed the California School Food Safety Act into law, banning red dye No. 40 and five other chemical additives from foods served in public schools. The law, which goes into effect on December 31, 2027, also prohibits yellow dyes Nos. 5 and 6, blue dyes Nos. 1 and 2, and green dye No. 3, which are commonly found in candies, cereals, and drinks.
Red dye No. 40 is found in numerous foods, including cheese-flavored chips. Paul Greenwood/Alamy Stock Photo
The law was introduced due to concerns over these synthetic food dyes being linked to behavioral issues and reduced attention spans in children. The bill’s sponsor, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, emphasized that while most children experience no adverse effects, some children may be particularly sensitive to these dyes. The ban aligns California’s food safety standards more closely with the European Union, which already requires warning labels on products containing these dyes.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that, while it continues to assess food chemical safety, it supports the rights of states to regulate food safety. However, the Consumer Brands Association, representing over 1,700 food brands, expressed concerns that this law could lead to increased costs and limit food choices for schools and families. Despite opposition, the law marks a significant victory for food safety advocates, setting a precedent that could influence national food safety regulations.
