California bans Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3 in public schools

California has set a new standard for school food safety by recently passing a law that will ban harmful food dyes from public school meals starting on Dec. 31, 2027.

Six color additives, often found in kid-adored snacks such as Cheetos, Skittles, and Froot Loops, are now prohibited under the California School Food Safety Act (Assembly Bill 2316). This new legislation bans Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3 from foods served in public schools despite still having US FDA approval.

This bill comes a few short months after the state enacted the California Food Safety Act (Assembly Bill 418), which prohibits the manufacture, distribution, and sale of food and beverages containing brominated vegetable oil (BVO), potassium bromate, propylparaben, and Red Dye 3. Also set to take effect in January 2027, this law is part of California’s broader efforts to eliminate certain ingredients from the food supply.

The rising public interest in healthier food options is fueling a growing movement to prioritize natural ingredients in everyday products, including using colorings derived from fruits, vegetables, and other natural sources. IFC Solutions has been at the forefront of healthy, natural, and organic food colorings since 1990, offering FDA-approved, Organic Certified, and Organic Compliant ingredients.

With the ability to customize colors to meet specific needs, we work with clients to transition to natural options, ensuring their products meet consumer expectations and regulatory standards while embracing the move toward cleaner, healthier ingredients.

Contact IFC Solutions for all your natural & organic ingredient needs.

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