First-in-nation ban on 6 chemicals in school foods passes in California

The California Legislature recently passed a bill to ban the use of certain chemicals in foods served at public schools. The bill, known as the California School Food Safety Act, prohibits the use of red dye No. 40 and five other chemicals. If signed into law, the ban would take effect on December 31, 2027. The aim of the bill is to protect children’s health and address concerns about the impact of these dyes on behavior and attention. The FDA’s regulations on these dyes are based on outdated research, according to the bill’s proponents. However, critics argue that the ban could limit choice and create confusion for consumers.