Youngkin signs bipartisan law banning synthetic dyes in school meals

In a major win for student health advocates, Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Friday signed bipartisan legislation banning certain artificial food dyes from public schools, calling it one of the most defining actions of his tenure.

“I believe this is one of the most important bills we will sign during this administration — removing harmful, artificial food dyes from our children’s food in our schools,” Youngkin said during a signing ceremony in Richmond.

“What we know is that these artificial food dyes, these chemicals that are injected into our food, cause problems, real problems … and therefore we are making a statement.”

The new law makes Virginia the second state in the nation — after California — to prohibit synthetic dyes in school food, citing mounting evidence linking the additives to behavioral and health concerns, particularly in children.

Senate Bill 1289, sponsored by Sen. Emily Jordan, R-Suffolk, and House Bill 1910 by Del. Hillary Pugh Kent, R-Warsaw, passed both chambers of the General Assembly unanimously — a rare feat in today’s political climate.

The legislation bans seven synthetic color additives from meals and snacks served in Virginia’s public elementary and secondary schools, including those sold in vending machines or à la carte lines.

But the ban won’t take effect right away. Schools and food vendors have until July 1, 2027, to adapt menus and sourcing, giving the Virginia Board of Education time to update its nutritional guidelines.

Supporters pointed to growing research linking artificial dyes — especially Red Dye 40 — to hyperactivity, attention issues, and even cancer risks in animal studies. 

The dye, commonly found in cereals, chips, and desserts, is the most heavily used among synthetic food colors in the U.S., appearing in more than 36,000 products, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears emphasized the science behind the legislation, citing studies from the Cleveland Clinic, the Henry Ford Health Institute, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

“These additives are not simply harmless ingredients,” she said. “No, they are chemical compounds that affect learning, development and life health outcomes.”

Secretary of Health and Human Services Janet Vestal Kelly described the move as a response to public demand: “The food industry says that they make what consumers ask for, and today, Virginians are sending a clear signal — that we want healthier, safer options, especially when it comes to our children.”

Jordan hailed the new law as a step toward leveling the playing field for students across Virginia.

“Today is a great day,” she said. “We’re not just dealing with Red Dye 40, which gets all the attention — this legislation addresses seven synthetic dyes that have been linked to everything from behavioral health issues to difficulty focusing in the classroom. Every child deserves to start their school day with food that supports learning, not undermines it.”

Kent, the bill’s co-sponsor, highlighted how food presentation can influence children’s choices — often for the worse. Quoting President Ronald Reagan, she said, “All great change in America begins at the dinner table.”

Virginia scientist whose work led FDA to ban food dye says agency overstated risk

She explained that the banned dyes serve no nutritional purpose and are primarily used to make ultra-processed foods more visually appealing.

“In some countries, cereals like Froot Loops are colored with fruit and vegetable juices like watermelon and carrot,” she said. “Yet here in Virginia, some breakfast options in our schools contain four different artificial dyes known to contribute to hyperactivity and attention issues.”

Kent emphasized the real-world implications for students who rely on school meals as their main source of nutrition. “We will now fuel students to learn — not with yellow-dyed chips or red-dyed cupcakes, but with healthier options that support focus, growth and long-term habits.”

Youngkin credited Virginia parents for driving the initiative. “Parents matter, because parents have a fundamental right to make decisions with regards to their children’s education, upbringing and care,” he said. 

“Parents came together and said, ‘We need healthier food, and we are going to get artificial food dyes out of their food.’”