West Virginia has banned food contained Some artificial dyes or other additives are one of the most comprehensive state bans of its kind. The move cites potentially harmful health effects and cuts synthetic agents in the U.S. food supply, driven by broad push by scientists and government leaders.
On Monday, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed a bill that lawmakers passed earlier to eliminate seven artificial dyes – Red Dye No. 3, Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, Yellow Dye No. 6, Yellow Dye No. 1, Blue Dye No. 2, Blue Dye No. 2 and Green Dye No. 3 and 3 – foods and drugs sold from the state. Butylated hydroxyaminosilase and propionyl methylene preservatives will also be banned.
The governor's office said dyes will not be allowed to begin on August 1 this year as part of the school's nutrition program, while dyes and two preservatives will be allowed in drugs and foods sold in the state starting on January 1, 2028.
“West Virginia ranks at the bottom of many public health indicators, which is why there is no better place to make America healthy again,” Morrisey said in a statement. “By eliminating harmful chemicals in food, we are taking steps to improve the health of our residents and protect children from significant long-term health and learning challenges.”
West Virginia's latest ban comes in two laws passed in California in recent years to remove some additives from food and synthetic dyes sold statewide. According to the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy group that focuses on food safety, dozens of U.S. have introduced legislation since the beginning of this year to ban or more strictly regulate certain food additives, including artificial dyes.
The Federal Drug Administration has approved 36 color additives for approval in food and beverages in the United States, including nine artificial dyes.
Advocacy groups and scientists are increasingly concerned about the health consequences of synthetic food ingredients, especially for children, prompting the FDA to propose Make new efforts The agency’s Deputy Commissioner for Human Food warned that budget restrictions could shift in time, but previously approved additives were reviewed in December, despite warnings from the agency’s Deputy Commissioner for Human Food. In January, the FDA announced its decision Revoke authorization For one dye, red 3, added to food, there is a link between dye and cancer in experimental animals.
