CHARELSTON, W.Va. (WVVA-GOVERNOR’S OFFICE) – Governor Patrick Morrisey signed House Bill 2354 into law, which bars certain food dyes from being used as an ingredient in school lunches and in food items throughout West Virginia.
“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,” said 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.
The legislation deems the following food additives unsafe and prohibits their use as an ingredient in any meal served in a school nutrition program beginning August 1, 2025:
- Red Dye No. 3
- Red Dye No. 40
- Yellow Dye No. 5
- Yellow Dye No. 6
- Blue Dye No. 1
- Blue Dye No. 2
- Green Dye No. 3
January 1, 2028, the same dyes, along with preservatives butylated hydroxyanisole and propylparaben, must not be contained in drugs and food items for sale in the state. The press release says the extended deadline “allows companies ample time to adjust, protecting consumers from price increases.”
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