More states begin push to ban food dyes

At least a dozen U.S. states – from traditionally conservative Oklahoma to liberal-leaning New York – are rushing to pass laws outlawing commonly used dyes and other chemical additives in foods, citing a need to protect public health (Source: “At least a dozen US states rush to ban common food dyes, citing health risks,” The Guardian, March 11).
 
In one of the most far-reaching efforts, West Virginia last week advanced a sweeping ban on a range of common food dyes that have been linked to health problems, particularly for children, with overwhelming bipartisan support. The new law goes much further than any other state in moving to eliminate the chemicals from store shelves.
 
Public health advocates have been lobbying for state and federal action for years, pointing to research that links food dyes and other chemical additives to health risks, including neurobehavioral problems in children and animal research linking certain additives to cancers.
 
Food industry advocates have protested efforts to ban the additives, citing what they say is a lack of proof that the chemicals are harmful to people, and arguing such laws will raise food prices.