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Senate panel backs ban on certain synthetic food dyes in school meals
Summary
The subcommittee voted to recommend reporting legislation that would prohibit several synthetic color additives in foods offered in Virginia public schools, citing research and parental testimony linking dyes to behavioral responses in some children.
The Senate K–12 Subcommittee recommended reporting Senate Bill 1289, which would prohibit certain synthetic color additives (including Red 40 and Yellow 5) from foods offered in public school meal programs and a la carte items.
Patron Senator Jordan argued the additives have been linked in scientific literature and parent reports to behavioral and learning issues among some children. Environmental and public-health advocates and parents testified in favor, describing personal accounts of behavioral changes in children and citing other jurisdictions and manufacturers that have phased out the additives. A representative from the Environmental Working Group provided scientific context and said the Food and Drug Administration has not reassessed the additives with newer toxicological methods and that some dyes are already banned for use in cosmetics.
Opponents did not provide testimony in the subcommittee hearing; supporters noted several Virginia school divisions already limit synthetic colors in some menus. The subcommittee recommended reporting the bill; the committee vote was recorded as 5–0 in favor.
