The Senate passed House Bill 2354 on Wednesday, legislation to ban certain preservatives and synthetic dyes from food. The body adopted an amendment that moves the effective date back a year from what was passed by the House of Delegates.
The legislation bans red dye 3, red 40, yellow 5, yellow 6, blue 1, blue 2 and green 3 from foods and drinks. The dyes have been linked to neurological and neurobehavioral issues in children.
The bill also bans butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and propylparaben, synthetic food preservatives.
The legislation also includes a ban on the listed dyes in school nutrition programs effective Aug. 1 this year. There’s an exception to the ban for school fundraisers.
The Senate amended the bill to make the bans effective statewide on Jan. 1, 2028, to allow grocers and manufacturers time to adjust, and to coordinate with federal mandates. That date is a year later than the effective date the House passed.
The legislation now heads back to the House for final approval.
The Senate is adjourned until tomorrow, March 6, at 11 a.m.
Afternoon Meetings:
Substance Use Disorder at 1 p.m. in 451M
Banking and Insurance at 2 p.m. in 451M
Agriculture at 2 p.m. in 208W
Finance at 3 p.m. in 451M
Judiciary at 3 p.m. in 208W
Morning Meetings for March 6:
Gov. Org at 9:30 a.m. in 208W
Education at 9:30 a.m. 451M
