The Push to Ban Artificial Dyes in California Schools
The presence of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in California schools may soon be a thing of the past. A new bill has been introduced with the aim of banning food products that contain artificial dyes from public schools. These artificial dyes are what give snacks like Cheetos their vibrant yellow and red colors.
Lawmakers argue that the chemical ingredients in these dyes can be harmful to young, developing minds. They point out that federal guidelines regarding these ingredients have not been updated in decades. Assembly Bill 2316 specifically targets six synthetic dyes—blue 1, blue 2, green 3, red 40, yellow 5, and yellow 6—as well as the coloring agent titanium dioxide, which are commonly used to artificially tint various foods, drinks, medications, and vitamins.
Some of the popular snacks that contain these dyes include Takis, Doritos, and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, which turn snack lovers’ fingers a characteristic powdery crimson. Blue 1 can be found in Froot Loops, and other artificial dyes can be found in candies like Jolly Ranchers, as well as M&Ms, Sour Patch Kids, and Mountain Dew.
Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, who introduced the bill, emphasized that it is not an outright ban of specific products, but rather a ban on the chemical ingredients. He clarified that the bill does not seek to ban Flamin’ Hot Cheetos or any other food products in California.
Supporters of the bill point to a 2021 study conducted by the California Environmental Protection Agency, which found a link between consuming synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity and other neurological behaviors in some children. Gabriel himself shared that he was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as a child, and his own son also has the same neurodevelopmental disorder.
Flamin’ Hot Cheetos is not only a beloved snack but also a cultural phenomenon that has inspired various forms of art, rap videos, fashion, and even menu items at restaurants. However, the spicy kick and neon-red dust of these snacks have triggered concerns, leading some schools to already ban the product.
Jazmín Urrea, an artist who has used Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in her art, supports the proposed legislation. Growing up in South Los Angeles, a food desert where fresh foods are scarce, she believes schools should serve as oases where healthier food options are available. She hopes that implementing this ban will ultimately lead to safer food choices for children.
The Los Angeles Unified School District, serving around 530,000 meals daily, already adheres to the bill’s proposed legislation with their current nutrition policy. Edgar Zazueta, a spokesperson for the Association of California School Administrators, noted that there are not many schools that sell the targeted snacks, so the ban’s impact would primarily affect student stores that sell items for student funds.
It is worth noting that Gabriel’s proposed legislation comes following Governor Gavin Newsom signed a statewide ban once morest “toxic” ingredients found in certain sodas and snacks. The ban, which goes into effect in 2027, has already prompted various companies like Just Born, the maker of Peeps, to remove red dye No. 3 from their recipe.
While the scientific aspects of the bill are complex, Gabriel emphasizes that the purpose is simple—to protect students from chemicals known to harm children and interfere with their ability to learn. The bill allows elementary schools to sell food items containing the prohibited ingredients during fundraising events off-campus or at least 30 minutes following the school day ends.
The bill seeks to encourage manufacturers to switch to alternative ingredients if they wish to continue selling their products in schools. Gabriel suggests using natural coloring sources such as beet juice, turmeric, or pomegranate juice as alternatives to synthetic dyes. According to Scott Faber with the Environmental Working Group, snacks like Rice Krispies, Kellogg’s Eggo Waffles, and Cheez-It might be considered as alternatives that do not contain artificial dyes.
Faber also criticizes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for not adequately regulating potentially harmful food ingredients. The FDA is the only institution capable of approving alternative ingredients, but no alternatives for red dye No. 3 or titanium dioxide have been approved thus far.
Dana Hunnes, a senior dietitian and adjunct assistant professor at UCLA, highlights that none of the proposed dyes are part of a natural diet. She states that these dyes are manufactured, unnecessary, and potentially carcinogenic, posing risks to both children and adults.
The debate around the bill has drawn responses from various stakeholders. The National Confectioners Association, a trade organization representing candy companies, asserts that the FDA needs to play a more active role and dismisses the campaigners’ claims as lacking scientific backing.
Analyzing the potential future implications of this bill, it is evident that there is growing concern regarding the potential harm associated with artificial dyes in food products. Legislation like Assembly Bill 2316 reflects a broader shift towards healthier and more natural food choices.
In an industry facing increasing scrutiny over the nutritional value of its products, manufacturers may find themselves under pressure to reformulate their recipes and remove artificial dyes. There is an opportunity for companies to explore alternative natural coloring sources and demonstrate their commitment to offering safer food options.
This trend towards cleaner ingredient labels aligns with broader consumer preferences for transparency and healthier choices. Consumers are becoming more discerning regarding the ingredients in the foods they consume and are actively seeking out products that align with their values and dietary needs.
As this movement gains momentum, it is likely that other states may follow California’s lead in implementing similar bans on artificial dyes. This might have widespread implications for the food industry, prompting manufacturers to reformulate their products to meet the evolving demands of consumers.
In conclusion, the proposed bill to ban artificial dyes in California schools represents a step towards prioritizing the health and well-being of students. While the bill’s practical implementation and impact are yet to be fully revealed, it symbolizes a broader shift towards cleaner ingredient labels and healthier food choices. As consumers continue to demand greater transparency and healthier options, manufacturers will need to adapt and reformulate their products to meet these changing preferences.
