California Bans Additives in Popular School Snacks Like Flamin' Hot Cheetos and Twinkies
New Legislation Impacting School Snacks
California lawmakers have voted to ban popular snacks containing food additives linked to behavioral issues in kids from school lunchrooms. The law, known as the California School Food Safety Act, specifically targets snacks like Flamin' Hot Cheetos and Twinkies. While these items will no longer be available in school cafeterias, they can still be purchased in stores.
Controversial Additives Under Scrutiny
The legislation focuses on harmful additives including food dyes Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. Advocates for the ban argue these ingredients have no nutritional value and are linked to health risks, notably concerning children’s behavior and well-being.
Research indicates that Red 3 has been associated with cancer in animals, while Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 have been found contaminated with carcinogens such as benzidine. California Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, the author of the bill, hopes this legislation will signal a change in how food products are treated in schools.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.