Washington (Nexstar) – The Secretary for Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
In West Virginia, Governor Patrick Morrisey heads a modern initiative to ban artificial food dyes from school meals, which makes his state one of the first to take such measures.
“Children earn it better. And now they’ll get it, “said Morrisey.
Kennedy came to Morrisey on Friday to support the measure that aims at additives such as Red 40, Yellow 5 and Blue 1, which are often found in processed food.
“Food is medicine. It treats us in different ways and treats our health,” said Kennedy.
The move is part of a broader effort from HHS to encourage states to remove artificial additives from school meals. Kennedy cited studies that combine synthetic dyes with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and certain types of cancer.
The effects could go beyond schools. HHS is considering updating the supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in order to promote healthier food options for families with low incomes.
West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican, expressed support for the initiative.
“These lemonades are loaded with sugar and other additives that cause obesity problems, not only in adults, but in our children,” said Capito.
However, some legislators remain skeptical. MP Jahana Hayes, a democrat in Connecticut, criticized the proposed changes to Snap and argued that they did not deal with real concerns.
“It is another attempt to further demonize people and devalue their humanity because they rely on Snap advantages, ”said Hayes.
Critics also warn that the restriction of food options could boost costs and restrict the selection for families.
