Governor Patrick Morrisey has officially banned the use of seven dyes used as food additives in West Virginia as part of the "Make America Healthy Again" campaign.
This follows the US Government's crackdown on food ingredients, resulting in the FDA's decision to ban Red Dye No.3 in January, as well as the use of brominated vegetable oils in July 2024.
The ban includes:
- Red Dye: No. 3 & 40
- Yellow Dye: No. 5 & 6
- Blue Dye: No. 1 & 2
- Green Dye: No. 3
Through the signing of House Bill 2354, Governor Patrick Morrisey deems these food additives unsafe for consumption — meaning they cannot be legally included in any meal served in a school nutrition programme past August 1, 2025.
By 2028, the same dyes must be removed from commercially available food and drug products in the state, giving companies "ample time to adjust," which aims to "protect consumers from price increases," notes a press release issued by the Office of the Governor.
“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,” commented Governor Morrisey.
“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. Thank you to the Legislature, HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy, and the entire Trump Administration for helping us launch this movement right here in West Virginia.” he added.
“Through the implementation process, I look forward to advancing policies which improve our health care outcomes, maintain our jobs and respect the FDA’s and supply channel’s role in the process,” he concluded.