West Virginia bans most synthetic food dyes

West Virginia has become the first state in the US to ban seven synthetic dyes in all food and beverages sold in the state. The ban, enacted Mar. 24, also targets two food preservatives—butylated hydroxyanisole and propyl paraben—making it the strongest food additive law in the country. Consumer and industry groups say West Virginia’s action is part of a growing trend among states because of a lack of federal food safety oversight. More than 20 states are considering legislation aimed at protecting children from dyes and other chemicals added to food. West Virginia’s ban goes into effect on Aug. 1 this year for food served to children in West Virginia public schools and on Jan. 1, 2028, for all food sold in the state. California led the way in 2023 with a law banning four chemicals—brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and Red No. 3 dye—in food products sold in