A proposed bill in California would ban certain artificial dyes in foods served in public schools.
KNX News’ Margaret Carrero spoke to Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, who introduced the bill. He said that if the legislation passes, food manufacturers would be required to switch to safer alternative ingredients to continue selling their products in schools.
“So instead of getting the color from a synthetic food dye, they could get it from beet juice or turmeric or pomegranate juice or any of these other natural ingredients out there,” Gabriel said.
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Gabriel points to a 2001 study commissioned by the state that found consuming synthetic food dyes can result in hyperactivity and other behavioral problems in some children.
His bill targets six synthetic food dyes and titanium dioxide, a coloring agent often used in things like sunscreens, cosmetics, and paints.
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