West Virginia Moves to Ban Artificial Food Dyes Linked to Health Concerns

If signed into law by the governor, the ban will take effect in 2028.

West Virginia is making a bold move to protect public health by banning several artificial food dyes found in popular processed foods, candy, and drinks. Lawmakers recently passed a bill that would prohibit seven synthetic color additives, including the widely used Red No. 40 and Green No. 3. If signed into law by the governor, the ban will take effect in 2028.

This decision obviously aligns with growing concerns surrounding the potential health effects from consuming artificial dyes, (mostly in children). Studies have linked some of these dyes to hyperactivity, behavioral issues, and possible carcinogenic risks. Red No. 40 is one of the most controversial dyes, often flagged for its potential to trigger allergic reactions and behavioral changes in sensitive individuals.

This is HUGE!

If this passes, West Virginia will become the first state to pass such a sweeping ban, following in the footsteps of the European Union, which has much stricter regulations on artificial food dyes that we do here in the United States. There are many consumer advocacy groups and health-conscious parents who have been pushing for these changes, urging food manufacturers to switch to natural color alternatives because it can be done. We’ve seen it time and time again the you can achieve the same or close to the same colorful results with using natural food colors and ditching the artificial ones.

So what does this mean? Well. if the bill is signed into law, food companies will have a few years to reformulate their products or remove them from West Virginia shelves. This could really set a precedent for other states to follow, potentially leading to broader national changes in food safety regulations. Let’s hope that it trickles down and more and more states jump on board.

Here’s a little refresher…

5 Problems with Red Dye 40

1. Hyperactivity in Children
   Research has shown that Red Dye 40 can contribute to hyperactivity, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating, particularly in children with ADHD. Some countries, like the UK, have restricted its use, while the European Union requires warning labels on foods containing artificial dyes.

2. Allergic Reactions
   Some individuals experience allergic-like reactions to Red Dye 40, including skin rashes, itching, hives, and even breathing difficulties. Those with sensitivities to aspirin or histamine intolerance may be more prone to these reactions.

3. Behavioral Issues
   Artificial food dyes, including Red Dye 40, have been linked to behavioral problems such as mood swings, irritability, and aggression, especially in children. Many parents report noticeable improvements in their child's behavior after removing artificial dyes from their diet.

4. Possible Cancer Risk
   While the FDA allows Red Dye 40 in food, some studies have raised concerns about its potential carcinogenic effects. Animal studies have suggested a possible link between synthetic dyes and tumor growth, prompting calls for more research on long-term safety.

5. Gut Health Disruption
   Artificial food dyes can negatively affect gut bacteria, which play a crucial role in digestion and overall health. Some studies suggest that Red Dye 40 may contribute to inflammation in the gut, potentially leading to digestive issues and weakened immune function.