The new school food safety law, which goes into effect in December 2027, is the first of its kind in the United States. (Illustrative Image Infobae)
He California Governor Gavin Newsomsigned landmark legislation banning the use of six artificial colors in foods served in public schools. This measure, the first of its kind in the United Stateswill go into effect on December 31, 2027, prohibiting the use of Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2 and Green 3 dyes in the state’s school cafeterias, according to NBC News.
The legislation, known as California School Food Safety Lawwas presented by Democratic Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel in March 2021. This measure is based on a report carried out by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, which found a connection between the consumption of these dyes and behavioral and health problems in children, according to NBC News.
According to USA Todaybanned artificial food colorings are present in a wide range of products, including cereals, ice cream, beverages, candy, among others. These dyes have been linked to hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems in childrenaccording to studies carried out in 2021 by the State of California Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, it has been observed that exposure to these dyes can exacerbate symptoms in children already diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Governor Gavin Newsom signed landmark legislation banning six artificial colorants in California public schools. (AP Photo/Derrick Tuskan, File)
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not established a definitive causal relationship between these dyes and behavioral problems in children without preexisting diagnoses of ADHD. However, a comprehensive review conducted in 2021 by California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment found an association even in some children without ADHD diagnoses.
“Overall, our review of human studies suggests that synthetic food dyes are associated with adverse neurobehavioral effects, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and restlessness in sensitive children,” the authors of the 2021 report noted.
Gabriel expressed his satisfaction after the signing of the bill, indicating that he was “proud to be able to change the national debate on food security”. He added that banned chemicals can harm children and interfere with their ability to learn, he said. NBC News.
The law does not ban any particular food, but rather requires manufacturers to remove artificial colors from their recipes and replace them with natural alternativessuch as carrot or beet juice. This practice is already common among many manufacturers for consumers of the European Union and other places where synthetic colors in foods and beverages are prohibited, according to NBC News.
Banned dyes, including Red 40 and Yellow 5, are linked to behavioral problems in children. (Illustrative Image Infobae)
The International Food Additives Councila trade organization, expressed displeasure with the legislation, arguing that it could increase costs and complexity, impacting the population most in need of nutrition, and impacting national food regulations and consumer confidence, according to USA Today.
The debate about the effects of artificial dyes on children’s health has been a source of controversy for decades. However, recent studies have shed light on possible links between these dyes and behavioral problems in children. Experts like So Bradmanprofessor in the department of public health the University of California in Merced, have noted that there is strong evidence that food dyes can affect behavior, especially in children with ADHD or similar disorders, reported USA Today.
CNN reported that California is home to the largest public school system in the United Stateswith more than 6.3 million students and 10,000 schools. Tony Thurmondstate superintendent of public instruction and co-sponsor of the bill, highlighted the magnitude of this legislation during a press conference hosted by el Environmental Working Groupa nonprofit environmental health organization.
The FDA has not found a definitive causal relationship between dyes and behavioral problems in children without ADHD. (Illustrative Image Infobae)
In addition to the studies of the FDAthe agency also participates in international risk assessments under the Joint Committee of Experts on Food Additives of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization. According to the FDA, all dyes listed in California’s new law have been recently evaluated and determined safe for use in foods under current conditions of use, it reported. CNN.
Despite current evaluations, the FDA continues to review emerging science and has held public meetings to evaluate the post-market review process for chemicals in food. John Hewittof la Consumer Brands Associationexpressed disagreement with the new legislation, highlighting that it demonizes ingredients that have been scientifically proven to be safe and could lead to additional costs and confusion among consumers.
