California has taken a significant step by passing a law that bans six artificial food dyes linked to health issues in children, including hyperactivity and neurobehavioral problems.

Gabriel's support for the bill is personal; he has ADHD and his son is also diagnosed with the disorder, motivating him to advocate for safer food options.

While the law does not ban specific foods, it mandates that manufacturers replace artificial dyes with natural alternatives, allowing time for recipe reformulations before the law takes effect on December 31, 2027.

The FDA has not yet commented on the California law but is currently reviewing food chemicals, including color additives, as part of its broader food safety efforts.

As a result of this legislation, popular snacks like Flamin' Hot Cheetos and M&Ms will no longer be available in schools, affecting over 10,000 schools across California that serve more than 6.3 million students.

The legislation, part of the California School Food Safety Act, prohibits the use of Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3 in public school food and drinks, making California the first state to implement such a ban.

Governor Gavin Newsom has emphasized the importance of providing nutritious food to children, aiming to reduce health risks associated with processed foods and harmful additives.

Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, who introduced the bill, praised it as a protective measure against harmful chemicals and a message to manufacturers to eliminate such additives.

Advocates for the bill argue that the food industry should reformulate their products to use natural alternatives, as safer options already exist.

Manufacturers will be required to substitute artificial dyes with natural alternatives like carrot or beet juice, which many already utilize in other markets.

However, the International Food Additives Council criticized the legislation, claiming it complicates food regulations and could lead to increased costs without addressing nutrition needs.

Gabriel highlighted California's leadership in protecting children's health from harmful chemicals, aiming to change the national conversation around food safety.