W.Va. Becomes First To Implement Synthetic Dye Ban In School Foods

School nutrition directors in all 55 counties across West Virginia are working to ensure the meals students get when classes resume in a few weeks adhere to a new state law. 

The law, House Bill 2354, was passed by the West Virginia Legislature and signed by Gov. Patrick Morrisey earlier this year. It bans certain colorful food dyes including Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Red No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Yellow No. 6 tied to some behavior problems and long-term health concerns, as well as several synthetic food preservatives.

There have been changes in some popular food items. Walking tacos are off the menu for now, because Doritos use the banned dyes. Strawberry milk is allowed – but the pink color kids love now comes from trace amounts of beet juice. 

Justin Hough, director of child nutrition for Preston County schools, said breakfast items, in particular, faced more changes.

“The students always do love a cereal day or a Pop Tart day. So some of the cereals took a hit,” said Hough.

“Obviously, you know, Fruit Loops when you’re dealing with that many colors of the different loops there, you know, that’s one, but Trix and some other brands have already managed to not utilize artificial dyes,” he said.

Tony Crago is the director of the Office of Child Nutrition for the West Virginia Department of Education. He said all 630 public schools serveing 240,000 students across the state will be ready when schools open.

“I’m 100% confident that the kids will be fed, well fed, nutritious meals, and that our staff in these counties are going to make this work. They’re not going to let kids go hungry,” Crago said.

Some items temporarily taken off the menu – like Dorito’s – are scheduled to reappear once manufacturers meet the new requirements, expected to happen by late fall.