West Virginia bans synthetic dyes in food, schools by 2028

West Virginia has enacted a law banning seven synthetic food dyes and two preservatives from school lunches and all food products by 2028, citing health concerns related to obesity and chronic diseases. Governor Patrick Morrisey emphasized the importance of eliminating harmful chemicals from food to improve public health in a state with poor health metrics. The banned additives include Red Dye No. 3, Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dyes No. 5 and No. 6, Blue Dyes No. 1 and No. 2, Green Dye No. 3, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and propylparaben. This decision follows similar legislative actions in California aimed at reducing synthetic ingredients in food. The phased implementation is designed to give companies time to adjust their recipes and mitigate potential consumer price increases. Advocates hope this move will help address behavioral issues among children linked to these additives.