California Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Remove Harmful Additives from School Foods

A new bill introduced by Democratic Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel aims to remove seven additives from foods served in California’s public schools.

Assembly Bill 2316 seeks to ban six artificial food dyes linked to hyperactivity and behavioural issues in children, along with titanium dioxide, a whitening agent known to be potentially harmful.

The proposed ban would affect cereals, condiments, baked goods, and other foods served in schools, making California the first state to take such action. Gabriel emphasized that the legislation does not target specific foods but encourages companies to make minor modifications to comply with the new standards.

Companies can easily substitute synthetic dyes with natural alternatives like turmeric or beet juice for colouring, requiring only small adjustments to recipes. The bill specifically targets additives such as Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1 and Blue 2, and Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, in addition to titanium dioxide.

While the FDA has not established a direct link between synthetic dyes and behavioural issues in all children, a California assessment found an association, particularly in sensitive individuals.

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Gabriel, whose son has ADHD, highlighted the importance of removing harmful additives from school foods, especially given the rise in ADHD diagnoses nationwide.

The proposed legislation aims to protect children’s health by eliminating unnecessary chemicals from their diets and promoting better nutrition in schools.