🚫 Utah Schools Ban Artificial Food Dyes: What It Means for Your Family’s Health
- newpathhw
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
On March 27, 2025, Utah became the fourth state to pass a law banning certain artificial food dyes in public schools. Signed into law by Governor Spencer Cox, House Bill 402 prohibits several synthetic additives from being used in school meals starting in the 2026–2027 school year.
This decision is a powerful step toward protecting children from ingredients linked to behavioral, neurological, and allergic reactions. But while the law targets school food, these additives are still hiding in everyday snacks, cereals, drinks, and even vitamins at home.
Let’s break down what was banned and why it matters.
🎨 The Banned Food Dyes & Additives (And What They’re Doing to Our Bodies)
1. Red No. 3
Where it's found: Candies, cake mixes, and popsicles
Why it’s harmful: Classified as a carcinogen by the FDA in the 1990s, it’s still allowed in foods. Linked to thyroid tumors in animal studies.
2. Red No. 40
Where it's found: Soda, candy, chips, gelatin desserts
Why it’s harmful: Associated with hyperactivity and behavioral issues in children. Can also trigger allergic reactions and migraines.
3. Blue No. 1
Where it's found: Beverages, candy, and cereals
Why it’s harmful: May cause allergic reactions and has shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially affecting brain health.
4. Blue No. 2
Where it's found: Baked goods, candy, and pet food
Why it’s harmful: Linked to brain tumors in animal studies and considered unnecessary with natural alternatives available.
5. Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine)
Where it's found: Chips, cheese-flavored snacks, and sodas
Why it’s harmful: Can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, and asthma-like symptoms, especially in sensitive children.
6. Yellow No. 6
Where it's found: Baked goods, candy, cereals
Why it’s harmful: Linked to adrenal tumors in animals and may contribute to inflammation in humans.
7. Green No. 3
Where it's found: Beverages, candy, and personal care products
Why it’s harmful: Connected to bladder and testicular tumors in animal studies.
8. Potassium Bromate
Where it's found: Bread and baked goods as a flour improver
Why it’s harmful: Classified as possibly carcinogenic and banned in many countries outside the U.S.
9. Propylparaben
Where it's found: Baked goods and packaged snacks
Why it’s harmful: Acts as an endocrine disruptor that may interfere with hormones and reproductive health.
Common foods with food dyes affecting our children
⏳ The Law Takes Effect in 2026—But Why Wait?
While Utah public schools will stop serving these additives in a couple of years, many of us are still exposed every day through store-bought products at home. Children are especially vulnerable due to their smaller bodies and developing brains.
Here’s what you can start doing now:
✅ Read labels: Avoid foods with artificial dyes and ingredients you can’t pronounce.
✅ Choose real, whole foods: Nature doesn’t need coloring agents.
✅ Opt for natural alternatives: Brands are increasingly offering dye-free options.
✅ Talk to your kids: Help them become label detectives and make informed choices.
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