California Proposes Ban on Synthetic Dyes in School Foods

Assembly Bill 2316 targets harmful dyes linked to health risks, aiming to improve food safety in schools.

California Assembly Member Jesse Gabriel has introduced Assembly Bill 2316, aiming to ban certain synthetic dyes from foods served in schools.
The bill targets synthetic dyes linked to health issues such as DNA damage, cancer, hyperactivity, and neurobehavioral problems.
If passed, the ban would affect public, charter, and state-special schools, prohibiting foods containing dyes like red 40, blue 1, and titanium dioxide.
The initiative seeks to encourage food manufacturers to use natural coloring agents, as seen in the European Union.
The proposed legislation has sparked a debate on food safety standards in the U.S. compared to other countries.