California could BAN Lucky Charms, Cheetos and Sunchips from being served in ... trends now
California state officials have introduced a bill to ban even more popular food additives from public schools that have been linked to cancer and behavioral issues.
Democratic assemblymember Jesse Gabriel introduced a bill on Tuesday that calls for banning seven ingredients found in cereals and chips like Lucky Charms, Cap'N Crunch, and Cheetos.
The substances on the chopping block are Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, Blue Dye No. 1, Blue Dye No. 2, Green Dye No. 3, and titanium dioxide.
If passed, the legislation would require foods containing these ingredients to be removed from foods served in California public schools beginning in 2025.
Mr Gabriel also authored the California Food Safety Act, also known as the Skittles ban, which will prohibit the use of potassium bromate, propylparaben, brominated vegetable oil, and red dye No. 3.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed that bill into law last year, which requires all of these ingredients to be removed by 2027.
The ingredients targeted in the legislation, dubbed Assembly Bill 2316, have been linked to behavioral issues in children like ADHD.
Lucky Charms and Cheetos are two foods containing ingredients in California's latest proposed bill
'California has a responsibility to protect our students from chemicals that harm children and that can interfere with their ability to learn,' Mr Gabriel said.
'As a lawmaker, a parent, and someone who struggled with ADHD, I find it unacceptable that we allow schools to serve foods with additives that are linked to cancer, hyperactivity and neurobehavioral harms.'
'This bill will empower schools to better protect the health and wellbeing of our kids and encourage manufacturers to stop using these dangerous additives.'
The proposed bill is also co-sponsored by watchdogs Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Consumer Reports.
Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, said: 'These dangerous dyes should not be allowed in foods sold in schools, because they put kids at risk for hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral issues.'
'Removing these harmful dyes from school foods will protect the health and well-being of kids in California.'
'Consumer Reports applauds Assemblyman Gabriel for introducing this critical food safety legislation.'
The ingredients that could be
