By Bob Katzen
The Public Health Committee held a hearing on legislation that would prohibit public schools from selling food which contains any food dyes. A school would be permitted to sell any products that might contain any food dye only if the sale of the items takes place away from a school’s premises, occurs on a school’s premises at least one-half hour after the end of the school day or is at booster sales, concession stands or other school-related events.
“Removing food dyes from the public school setting is a step toward ensuring the whole child is considered when it comes to education,” said sponsor Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Spencer). “Science continues to show the harmful impact of food dyes on children, especially when it comes to their ability to focus which is crucial to learning. The impact of this change would be minor to school districts but major for students who are impacted by these harmful chemicals.”