California lawmakers have passed a bill banning food additives linked to behavioral issues in kids from being served in school lunchrooms. This legislation, known as the California School Food Safety Act, prohibits snacks like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Twinkies, Doritos, and Froot Loops from school cafeterias in the state. The ingredients that are banned include food dyes Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, which are commonly found in various snacks and candies. Advocates for the ban argue that these additives have no nutritional value, are used for superficial purposes, and can cause health problems.
Red 3, a synthetic food dye, has been found to cause cancer in animals, while Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 have been found to be contaminated with carcinogens that increase the risk of cancer. The bill’s author, California Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, believes that this legislation could lead to changes in how these types of foods are marketed to children both in California and beyond. He hopes that it will encourage manufacturers to stop using the harmful additives and prioritize the health and well-being of children. The California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has also found that consumption of synthetic food dyes can result in hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems in some children.
The bill, which is now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval, does not specifically ban certain food products but targets the six substances linked to behavioral issues in kids. It is set to go into effect on December 31, 2027. California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond believes that this bill sets new standards for school meals, ensuring that students receive safe and nutritious food that supports their overall well-being and ability to learn. He emphasizes the importance of healthy and equitable school environments for all students, mentioning his personal experience of depending on school meals while growing up.
Major food companies like Frito Lay, which makes Cheetos and Doritos, and Hostess, the manufacturer of Twinkies, have not responded to requests for comment on the legislation. The ban on these harmful food additives is seen as a significant step towards improving the health and well-being of children in schools. Lawmakers hope that this legislation will not only benefit students in California but also prompt changes in how such foods are formulated and marketed nationwide. By prioritizing the health of children and advocating for safer school meals, California is taking a proactive approach to addressing the impact of food additives on behavioral issues in kids.
