West Virginia Bans Food Additives In Line With 'Make America Healthy Again' Movement

There are at least another 20 states considering similar restrictions, but this bill is the first of this magnitude to be passed, according to The New York Times.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed a law Monday that will ban several food dyes and preservatives statewide in 2028.

Schools will also not be allowed to serve foods with the banned additives starting in August 2025. There are at least another 20 states considering similar restrictions, but this bill is the first of this magnitude to be passed, according to The New York Times.

The following dyes will be banned: Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Red No. 40 ― and Red No. 3 (which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned in January). It also includes two preservatives: Propylparaben and butylated hydroxyanisole, or BHA.

“West Virginia ranks at the bottom of many public health metrics, which is why there’s no better place to lead the Make America Healthy Again mission,” said Morrisey in a statement Monday, referring to a movement (and Super PAC) led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

“By eliminating harmful chemicals from our food, we’re taking steps toward improving the health of our residents and protecting our children from significant long-term health and learning challenges,” he continued. “Today’s announcement represents a step toward a productive dialogue about how West Virginia and our country can eat healthier and address some of the vexing health care problems facing our citizens.”