On Aug. 29, Assembly Bill 2316, also known as the California School Food Safety Act, was passed by the California Legislature, banning the use of synthetic food dyes in all food and beverages served by school districts, county superintendent of schools, and charter schools.
This bill stems from concerns over possible linkage of these synthetic food dyes and behavioral problems in children. According to a 2021 study conducted by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, researchers found that synthetic food dyes can have an impact on neurobehavior in some children. Additionally, the study concluded that the FDA-established acceptable daily intake may not give adequate protection from these neurobehavioral impacts in children.
According to the California Legislative Information website, this bill will target six synthetic food dyes, including Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Green No. 3, Blue No. 1 and Blue No. 2.
“Banning synthetic food dyes in school food could promote healthier choices among students and reduce potential health risks. Additionally, [I think] it is important to prioritize natural ingredients in students’ diets,” senior Shiying Chen said.
The bill aims to make school food more nutritious and to combat the negative effects of synthetic food dyes on children. However, food sold at fundraisers would not be affected by this bill as long as the fundraisers are off-campus or begin at least one half hour after the school day ends.
“I think it’s a great idea they are banning synthetic food dye because students should not be eating food with artificial [dyes] that could harm [them],” junior Cairo Vong said.
This bill would only regulate food provided by the federal National School Lunch Program and the federal School Breakfast Program, but it would exclude food provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foods in Schools program. Local agencies and food districts would be reimbursed by the state for certain costs associated with accommodating this bill.
Governor Gavin Newsom has until Sept. 30 to pass or veto this bill. If passed, this bill will take effect on Dec. 31, 2027.