Seven artificial food coloring have been prohibited in West Virginia. The prohibition will come into force in schools this August and more widely in 2028. Chemicals are often found in products such as drinks, breakfast cereals, candies and baked goods. More than 20 other states, in the United States, are taking into consideration similar prohibitions
After California, West Virginia also takes an important step towards the protection of its citizens.
The governor Patrick Morrisey, in fact, has just approved a law that prohibits most of the food dyes and two preservatives in that which marks the most radical move by a state of the country.
At least 20 states are taking into consideration similar restrictions on food chemicals, but western Virginia is the first to prohibit practically all artificial dyes from foods sold throughout the territory.
The new law will also prohibit that the products containing the dyes are served in school meals starting from August.
The dyes under accusation
The dyes prohibited by the new law are as follows:
The new law will prevent products from containing these dyes are served in school meals.
These dyes are used to make the colors of numerous products more lively, many of which are intended for childrensuch as cereals, snacks, baked goods and candies. A scientific revision of 2021, created by Californian researchers, found that taking these dyes could be associated with an increase in thehyperactivity and other behavioral disorders in some children. Despite this, the FDA said that food coloring are safe if used according to current regulations, except for red no. 3, which has been prohibited by the Food, drinks and drugs (the ban will come into force in 2027).
And in Europe
The measure adopted by the state of Virginia represents a significant step in the protection of public health, in particular with regard to the food safety of the youngest. The decision to prohibit the use of seven food dyes and two preservatives, including brilliant blue, indigo blue, tartrazine, erythrosine and Bha, reports a growing concern for the potential negative effects of these health additives, in particular in children, a theme that has aroused debates and global scientific research.
In Europe, regulation on the use of food dyes has been historically more severe than the United States, with regulations that limit or prohibit the use of certain dyes considered dangerous or suspected of having negative health effects. The European food safety authority (EFSA) constantly monitors food additives, and many dyes commonly used in other parts of the world have already been prohibited or strictly regulated in Europe.
Where there are restrictions on food dyes
- United Kingdom: The United Kingdom, despite having come out of the European Union, still follows many of the European regulations on food safety. In 2009, an important revision led to the decision to impose warning labels for some artificial dyes (such as tartrazine yellow and Allura red). These dyes are now associated with a warning for consumers, indicating that they could have effects on the activities and attention of children.
- France: France adopted a strong position against the use of artificial additives in food products. In 2009, the country imposed a ban on many food dyes, following a precautionary approach in response to concerns about their effects on children’s health. Starting in 2010, the French government has forbidden the use of food additives such as tartrazine yellow (E102) and other artificial dyes. In addition, France was among the pioneers in the push for the progressive elimination of artificial dyes in the products intended for children.
- Sweden and Norway: These countries were among the first in Europe to introduce restrictions on the use of artificial dyes. Sweden, for example, severely limited the use of food dyes, especially those with synthetic origin, due to concerns about potential neurocompactual effects on children.
- Denmark and Netherlands: Denmark and the Netherlands have also made significant steps to limit the use of some dyes. For example, the blue coloring n. 1 and blue n. 2 (those prohibited in Virginia) have already been subject to restrictions in different European countries, although there is no total prohibition throughout the continent.
- Italy: Italy follows the regulations of the European Union, which prohibit the use of certain dyes such as Rosso Allura (E129) and Tartrazina yellow (E102), which are under observation due to health concerns. Although Italy does not have a total ban, the adjustments are quite rigid as regards the use of dyes in foods intended for children.
In recent years, several European countries, including Germany and Spain, have started discussions on how to strengthen regulations relating to food additives. Although there are no imminent prohibitions similar to that introduced by Virginia, it seems there is a growing push towards greater transparency and for the elimination of artificial dyes, especially in products intended for children.
The situation in Virginia can represent an example of how regulatory changes in the United States could also influence food regulations in Europe, pushing towards a more stringent regulation globally.
