CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A new law banning certain food dyes and preservatives in West Virginia is drawing mixed reactions from families and health experts.
House Bill 23-54 prohibits ingredients such as Blue 1, Yellow 5 and Red 40 from grocery store shelves beginning in early 2028. Those same additives have been banned in public schools since August. West Virginia becomes the third state to adopt such restrictions, following Virginia and California.
Supporters of the law point to research linking artificial dyes and preservatives to health problems. Multiple studies in rats have associated the chemicals with cancer, reproductive harm and endocrine disruption.
“We know that studies show that can lead to issues with hormones, and hyperactivity, and learning challenges for kids, and even cancer,” Gov. Patrick Morrisey said at a public event with U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. earlier this year. “Our kids deserve better, and now they’re going to get it.”
But some experts question whether banning dyes should be the priority. Nutritionists argue that broader issues such as food insecurity and access to affordable, healthy meals are more pressing.
“We’re probably one of the most food-insecure states in the country,” WVU Nutrition Professor Nettie Freshour said. “We can start off by food insecurity. We’re probably one of the most food-insecure states in the country. We have so many children that go hungry on a regular basis, we have trans fats, we have just an inaccessible amount of food across our state.”
“I do believe that there are other, way more important health-related topics to be covered right now instead of food dyes.”
For families, the ban may mean fewer products on store shelves. Some companies, including Kraft Heinz, have already announced plans to reformulate foods with natural alternatives such as beet or carrot juice. However, reformulated products often cost more, and experts warn that supply chain challenges could further raise prices.
Charleston resident Siobhan Dorcus, a mother of two and a medical unit coordinator, has avoided feeding her children food dyes for nearly 20 years due to her eldest daughter’s allergies. Even so, she said she does not believe the statewide ban is necessary.
“If I don’t like it, if I think something’s bad, I’m just not going to get it,” Dorcus said. “We can get something else and move on from it.”
For families with allergies, the law may provide additional peace of mind. For others, it remains an open question whether West Virginia’s approach will lead to healthier outcomes statewide.
This article was adapted from a television news story using AI. All reporting, facts and quotes from sources are original. AI was only used to assist with formatting and style for a digital platform.