Newsom Signs California School Ban on Artificial Additives
The Facts
Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday signed Assembly Bill 2316, which will take effect beginning Dec. 31, 2027 and ban from public schools, charter schools, and state special schools foods containing several synthetic dies.
In a statement, Newsom said he said the bill to ban food containing dyes known as blue 1, blue 2, green 3, red 40, yellow 5, and yellow 6 because the state refuses "to accept the status quo" and is determined to give "everyone, including school kids" the ability to enjoy food without "harmful, and often addictive additives."
The Spin
California is a leader when it comes to protecting children's health. Research is ongoing, but there's enough data to make it clear California shouldn't be allowing these dyes in anyone's food, let alone students. Because California has the largest public school system in the US, this ban will impact how corporations produce food, including what ingredients they use.
Despite the bipartisan agreement over this legislation, it's obviously a political attack on the food industry disguised as a bill meant to protect children. There's no need for these types of bans, and in the long run families and schools will face higher costs and fewer choices when it comes to their meals. This is a terrible law.