Two States Ban Synthetic Food Dyes

Neal D. Fortin - March 27, 2025

Decisions were not based on science.

Image of a child adding milk to a tray in a school cafeteria.

Virginia banned certain synthetic food colors from school lunches. West Virginia has also banned certain synthetic food colors from school lunches and from sale in the state beginning in 2028.

The states cited safety concerns for the bans. However, FDA scientists have found the permitted use of these synthetic colors to be safe. Nevertheless, science may no longer be the determining factor in risk management decisions, even at the FDA. HHS Secretary Kennedy met with food industry executives and pressed for the discontinuance of synthetic colors.

More state bans on food and color additives are looming.

Disclaimer.

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MSU's Institute for Food Laws and Regulations offers online graduate courses to food industry professionals. Most IFLR students work full time for food companies or regulators, and take one online course at a time to further their professional development. Students may take as few or as many courses as they desire, and may earn a Certificate in International or United States food law after completing twelve qualifying credits (usually four courses).