State Senate Passes Bill to Ban Harmful Food Additives in West Virginia
The State Senate in West Virginia has passed House Bill 2354, which aims to ban certain synthetic products found in food. The bill, if signed into law, will prohibit additives like red dye No. 3 and yellow dye No. 5, deeming them unsafe for consumption. The restrictions will also extend to school nutrition programs, prohibiting the inclusion of these dyes in meals served in schools.
State Senator Jason Barrett believes that this bill will make West Virginia healthier and establish the state as a leader in the fight against harmful chemical additives in food. Proponents of the bill argue that these additives have been linked to adverse health effects, including hyperactivity, memory issues, and cancer, particularly in children.
The bill has received opposition from the National Confectioners Association, who have expressed concerns about potential price increases and food scarcity issues. However, supporters of the bill believe that it is necessary for the state to take action, as federal regulations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have not adequately addressed the issue of harmful food additives.
If the House of Delegates concurs with the changes made by the Senate, the bill could be on the desk of Governor Patrick Morrisey soon. State Senator Laura Wakim Chapman, who chairs the Health and Human Resources Committee, considers this bill as one of the most important pieces of legislation that members will vote on in their careers. She believes that it is time for West Virginia to prioritize the health and well-being of its residents by eliminating harmful additives from the food supply.
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