In the most extensive law of its kind, West Virginia has banned seven synthetic dyes and two preservatives in all food and beverages sold in the state, the governor announced.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed a measure into law that will implement a portion of the ban starting in August. Under the measure, seven different food dyes—Red Dye No. 3, Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, Blue Dye No. 1, Blue Dye No. 2, and Green Dye No. 3—cannot be used in school lunches beginning Aug. 1.
More broadly, the West Virginia law will prohibit those dyes from being in any food products sold in the state starting Jan. 1, 2028, according to the bill. Aside from dyes, synthetic chemical preservatives propylparaben and butylated hydroxyanisole will also be barred, the governor’s office said in a statement….