Republican lawmakers in West Virginia are making a push to ban synthetic food dyes, including in meals served in public schools. Sen. Jason Barrett and Del. Evan Worrell plan to introduce legislation that would eliminate these dyes, citing negative effects such as restlessness and behavioral issues in children. While California has already banned synthetic dyes in school food, the federal ban on Red No. 3 is not set to take effect until 2027. Worrell believes that banning these dyes is crucial for the health and wellbeing of children and hopes to address the issue of behavioral problems in young students. However, implementing such a ban may face challenges in the GOP-led Legislature due to budget concerns. Despite potential opposition from food manufacturers, Worrell remains determined to push for the ban on synthetic dyes in food. The proposed legislation would also establish a school food safety task force to examine West Virginia’s school nutrition program. The session is set to begin on February 12, with the lawmakers ready to put forward their bill.
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