Newsom Signs California School Ban on Artificial Additives

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Facts

  • Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday signed Assembly Bill 2316, which will take effect beginning Dec. 31, 2027, and ban foods containing several synthetic dyes from public schools, charter schools, and state special schools.[1]
  • Newsom said he signed the bill to ban food containing dyes known as blue 1, blue 2, green 3, red 40, yellow 5, and yellow 6 because the state refuses 'to accept the status quo' and is determined to allow 'everyone, including school kids' the ability to enjoy food without 'harmful, and often addictive additives.'[1]
  • These dyes are found in many popular products, including Froot Loops and other breakfast cereals, Flamin' Hot Cheetos, Doritos, and sports drinks.[2][1]
  • This bill was created in part as a response to a 2021 report from the California Environmental Protection Agency finding that 'consumption' of many of these dyes can 'result in hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems' in children.[3]
  • Although California is the first state in the nation to enact this type of ban, at least 10 other states are considering similar legislation.[4]

Sources: [1]Los Angeles Times, [2]Politico, [3]CBS and [4]USA Today.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by CNN. California is a leader when it comes to protecting children's health. Research is ongoing, but there's enough data to make it clear that California shouldn't be allowing these dyes in anyone's food, let alone students. Because California has the largest public school system in the US, this ban will impact how corporations produce food, including what ingredients they use.
  • Narrative B, as provided by The Telegraph. Despite the bipartisan agreement over this legislation, this is a political attack on the food industry disguised as a bill meant to protect children. There's no need for these types of bans, and in the long run families and schools will face higher costs and fewer choices when it comes to their meals. This is an uninformed law that contributes to misunderstandings about the food industry.

Predictions