Maryland may ban Artificial color in public schools

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Wednesday, 18 February 2009 14:23

Many parents have long believed in a connection between their child's consumption of food containing artificial food colors and behavioral problems, but scientific evidence backing the claims hasn't always been available. However, they may soon have an ally if the state of Maryland gets their way. Maryland is currently considering two bills that would ban several artificial food colorings that have been linked to hyperactivity and other behavioral problems in children. If the bills pass, Maryland would become the first state to enact such a ban. The bills call for a ban in the colors in school foods, and a requirement of warning labels on foods containing the artificial colorings, prior to an outright ban taking effect in 2012. The labels would read "Warning: The color additives in this food may cause hyperactivity and behavior problems in some children." The colors affected are Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Orange B, and Red 3. The bills have the support of the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), and similar legislation is already in place in several European countries.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 18 February 2009 14:26 )