Morrisey signs 'MAHA' bill banning a list of colorful artificial dyes in food sold in West Virginia [View all]

Source: West Virginia Watch/Charleston, WV

March 25, 2025 5:58 pm


Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed a bill Monday that will ban a list of artificial food dyes from being included in food items sold in grocery stores or in school lunches. Republican lawmakers behind the measure have said the synthetic red, blue, green and yellow dyes are unnecessary and harmful. They’ve linked them to behavioral issues in children.

“West Virginia ranks at the bottom of many public health metrics, which is why there’s no better place to lead the ‘Make America Healthy Again’ mission,” Morrisey said. “By eliminating harmful chemicals from our food, we’re taking steps toward improving the health of our residents and protecting our children from significant long-term health and learning challenges.”

Several states are considering similar legislation, and West Virginia is the first state to pass a sweeping synthetic food dye ban. House Bill 2354 bans the use of seven artificial dyes — Red No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2 and Green No. 3 — in school meals beginning Aug 1.

The dyes would be prohibited along with the preservatives butylated hydroxyanisole and propylparaben, in drugs and food items for sale in the state beginning Jan. 1, 2028.

Read more: https://westvirginiawatch.com/briefs/morrisey-signs-maha-bill-banning-a-list-of-colorful-artificial-dyes-in-food-sold-in-west-virginia/