The Governor of Virginia-Western Patrick Morrisey signed the Bill of Chamber 2354 on March 24, making the State first to adopt a complete prohibition on the scale of the State of certain artificial diets and conservatives.
The legislation, inspired by the movement “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA), prohibit seven synthetic dyes in school meals from August 1, the prohibition extending to all the foods and drugs sold on a state scale on January 1, 2028. The secretary of American human services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. artificial is an urgent primary.
The prohibited additives include red dye n ° 3, red dye n ° 40, yellow color n ° 5, yellow color n ° 6, blue color n ° 1, blue dye n ° 2 and green dye n ° 3, followed by the hydroxyanisole butyled (BHA) and propylparaben preservatives in 2028. Prevalence of the highest diabetes in the country, according to the centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Key provisions of the Virginie-Western Food Tincture Prohibition
“Virginia-Western is classified at the bottom of many public health measures, which is why there is no better place to direct the Make America Healthy Again mission,” said Morrisey at the signing.
“By eliminating the harmful chemicals of our food, we protect our children from significant health and long -term learning challenges.”
The bill, led by Senator Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley and DEL. Evan Worrell, R-Cabell, adopted the legislative assembly earlier this month with overwhelming support-31-2 in the Senate and 93-5 in the House. It was a precursor of the American Secretary for Health and Social Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The US Food and Drug Administration approved most of these dyes and additives, although he prohibited red n ° 3 in January 2025.
Industry posseback and impact on the level of the new law
Industry groups, including the West Virginia Beverage Association, expressed their opposition to legislation, unnecessary appellant.
“We are opposed to this unnecessary legislation. This question should be decided individually, by the transparency of products and the choice of consumers,” published the association on March 18.
The National Confriters Association has echoed concerns, stressing that popular snacks like Flamin ‘Hot Cheetos, which contain red n ° 40 and yellow n ° 6, could disappear from the shelves of stores.
Supporters argue, however, that alternatives are available.
“Retailers like Aldi are already using natural ingredients,” said senator Jason Barrett, rejecting the “frightening tactics” industry.
A California study in 2021 which linked food coloring to behavioral problems reinforcing the position of Virginia-Western, although the FDA maintains that additives are safe at current levels.
The gradual approach to the law – school meals in August and sales at the state scale in 2028 – aims to mitigate compliance. At least 25 other states are now considering similar prohibitions.
“This is a step towards a productive dialogue on how we can eat healthier,” said Morrisey, committing to balance health gains with economic stability during implementation.
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