California lawmakers introduced a new bill Tuesday that would ban artificial colors from food sold in school cafeterias. And kids’ favorites like Lucky Charms, Gatorade and Skittles are on the cutting board.
Rep. Jesse Gabriel has banned synthetic food colors and additives from California public schools because the chemicals are believed to be linked to health effects such as behavioral problems, cancer and hyperactivity. proposed a bill that would prohibit the provision of food containing
“The state of California has a responsibility to protect our students from chemicals that can harm our children and interfere with their ability to learn,” Gabriel said in a statement. “As a member of Congress, a parent, and someone who has suffered from ADHD, it is unacceptable to allow schools to serve food containing additives linked to cancer, hyperactivity, and neurobehavioral harm. I think.”
He said the purpose of the law is to encourage companies to produce products using natural products instead of artificial additives.
It does not prohibit specific foods or products per se.
The Democratic bill would ban six dyes – Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2 and Green 3 – as well as gloss, which would be banned from being added to all food products across the European Union due to the risk of coloring. It specifically targets the chemical agent titanium dioxide. Damages DNA.
The Food and Drug Administration says color additives are safe for consumption when used in accordance with its regulations. A causal relationship has not been established The relationship between chemicals and their effects on children’s behavior.
“Although the overall scientific evidence shows that most children do not experience any adverse effects from consuming foods containing color additives, it is possible that certain children may be sensitive to color additives. There is also evidence to suggest that.” fda state.
But supporters of the bill, including watchdog groups, the Environmental Task Force and Consumer Reports, argue that the chemicals are harmful to children.
And a 2021 report by the California Environmental Protection Agency concluded that “consumption of synthetic food dyes may cause hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems in some children.” There is.
He also noted that the number of ADHD diagnoses among American children and teens has increased dramatically in recent years.
If the bill is signed into law, California will become the first state in the nation to ban artificial additives in schools.
