The proposed legislation would prohibit school cafeterias from serving foods with Red 40 and six other chemicals associated with potential health and behavioral issues.

A state legislator introduced a first-of-its-kind bill Tuesday that would ban seven additives from the foods that are served in California’s public schools.

Assembly Bill 2316 would prohibit school cafeterias from offering foods containing six artificial food dyes that have been linked to hyperactivity and behavioral issues in some children. It would also outlaw titanium dioxide, a whitening agent used in candies and other products that is banned by the European Union because of concerns that it is potentially genotoxic, meaning it may damage DNA and cause cancer.

The bill, which was first shared with NBC News, would affect certain cereals, condiments and baked goods, among other foods, and it would make California the first state to ban the additives from schools. It was introduced by Democratic Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel.

  • Neato@ttrpg.network
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    8 months ago

    I’m curious to see what food looks like without any dyes at all. See how many foods have natural colors we exploit or how grey and brown food becomes.

    • Sir_Kevin@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      8 months ago

      I think the real shocker to most people will be the inconsistency. You can have two things side by side that are identical in every way except for color. One is going to sell and one won’t. Or they could both not sell even. That’s how all this coloring got started to begin with.

    • prettybunnys@sh.itjust.works
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      8 months ago

      It’s funny whenever I cook from “scratch” how often my dishes end up “reddish orangish brown”

      Honestly there’s something about that color that is so very appetizing to me but I know puts others off.

      • Neato@ttrpg.network
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        8 months ago

        “Normal”. So just cut out anything you didn’t make yourself from scratch at home. Ok, pal. That’ll fly with the majority of working households.

        Also you can no longer buy many condiments or some spices. Or ever eat out again. So good luck with all your increased labor.