California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a groundbreaking law that will stop public schools in California from serving certain food dyes found in popular snacks like Froot Loops and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. These dyes, which come in colors like blue, green, yellow, and red, have been linked to hyperactivity and other behavior problems, especially in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
This law is the second time in two years that Newsom has pushed for stricter food rules against the food industry. Last year, he signed a law banning other harmful additives in food. In a statement, Newsom emphasized the importance of healthy food, saying, “Our health is closely connected to what we eat, but fresh and healthy options aren’t always easy or cheap to find for families. Today, we are changing that and making sure everyone, especially school kids, can have access to nutritious food without harmful ingredients.”
Some companies, like the makers of Peeps, have already decided to change their recipes instead of pulling their products from stores because of the new law. While stores can still sell foods with these dyes, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, who wrote both laws, hopes that this will encourage more companies to adjust their recipes. He believes that if companies change their products for California, it might lead to changes nationwide, benefiting kids everywhere.
However, there has been pushback from industry lobbyists, who question the health concerns linked to these dyes and argue that the law could harm school fundraising efforts. They managed to convince lawmakers to remove a ban on titanium dioxide, a substance found in snacks like Skittles that is already banned in the European Union.
The new law received support from both political parties in California’s legislature, but some industry groups continue to resist it. One representative from the Consumer Brands Association claimed that the law could confuse consumers and limit choices and access to products.
The law is set to take effect on December 31, 2027.
