California Legislature Passes "Skittles Ban" Bill to Ban Harmful Food Dyes in School Meals

The legislation represents a significant step toward promoting healthier food options for students in California schools.Photo byJonathan J. CastellononUnsplash

A bill aimed at banning the use of certain food dyes in school meals has successfully passed through the California Legislature and is now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom's signature. If signed into law, the legislation would prohibit schools across the state from selling or providing food containing six specific chemicals that have been linked to potential health risks.

The dyes targeted by the bill include Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, Blue Dye No. 1, Blue Dye No. 2, and Green Dye No. 3. Studies have shown that these dyes could pose harm, particularly to children.

The bill was co-sponsored by Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group and was authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), who previously led efforts to ban certain additives in processed foods—a measure that was controversially dubbed the "Skittles ban," despite the popular candy not being affected.