Synthetic dyes in popular kids’ foods are facing growing restrictions as lawmakers across the U.S. respond to health concerns and stalled federal action.
Leah Willingham reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- West Virginia became the first state to ban seven synthetic food dyes linked to health risks, with other states advancing similar bipartisan bills.
- Research links these petroleum-based dyes to behavioral issues in children and possible cancer risks, prompting comparison to bans already in place in Europe and other countries.
- Industry groups warn of higher food costs and claim inconsistent regulations could confuse consumers and burden low-income communities.
Key quote:
“We should not be forced to police our own foods. No more toxic colors, no more poisoning ourselves and our children. No more unnecessary risks. Our health is not for sale.”
— Laura Wakim Chapman, West Virginia state senator
Why this matters:
Synthetic food dyes — those bright reds, blues, and yellows that light up candy aisles and breakfast cereals — are facing growing scrutiny for their effects on children’s health, particularly around behavior and long-term risk. Most of these dyes are made from petroleum, and while they’ve long been a staple in processed foods, especially those marketed toward kids, mounting research has linked them to hyperactivity and other behavioral concerns.
Some European countries require warning labels or have banned certain dyes altogether, but the U.S. has largely left them unregulated at the federal level. That’s pushed states like California and New York to consider acting on their own, though this kind of piecemeal regulation creates a confusing and uneven playing field. The stakes are highest in lower-income communities, where heavily processed foods are often the most accessible and affordable. This raises uncomfortable questions about environmental justice, equity, and who gets to eat safely.
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