A state bill to ban six color additives from foods served at California public schools was signed into law last week and will go into effect Dec. 31, 2027.
Assembly Bill 2316, the California School Food Safety Act, would prohibit six allegedly harmful food dyes from being used in foods served in the state's public schools: red 40, yellow 5, yellow 6, blue 1, blue 2 and green 3. They impart the vibrant colors in products such as Cheetos, Froot Loops and Skittles.
Titanium dioxide originally was in the bill but apparently has been dropped – just as it had been in the state’s late-2023 ban of four food ingredients: potassium bromate, propylparaben, brominated vegetable oil and Red 3. Those will be banned from all foods manufactured, delivered or sold in the state after Jan. 1, 2027.
Studies suggest that consumption of the six dyes may be linked to hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems in some children, especially those who already exhibit signs of ADHD or autism.
The FDA maintains there is not sufficient proof the color additives pose any risk, although the agency hasn’t formally reviewed their safety in decades. However, that review may be coming, as Jim Jones, deputy commissioner of the FDA’s Human Foods Program, has hinted in recent public remarks.
The bill was introduced into the California Assembly in March. It was passed by the state’s legislature and senate earlier last week and signed into law later in the week by the governor.
