California Passed Laws to Limit Food Additives
New legislation in California limits specific synthetic dyes and additives in school meals to help manage children's health.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Nutrition
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In 2024 and 2025, California enacted the California School Food Safety Act and the Real Food, Healthy Kids Act to limit synthetic food additives. These measures were taken as national ADHD diagnoses in children rose nearly 70 percent.
Why it matters
These laws aim to address potential health concerns by limiting exposure to additives that research links to neurobehavioral problems. The shift reflects a growing legislative effort to improve nutritional standards within school food environments.
Legislative records confirm the passage of measures banning four specific additives, including Red No. 3 and potassium bromate. While studies suggest a link between these synthetic dyes and neurobehavioral issues, the impact on clinical outcomes remains a subject of ongoing study.
The players
Jesse Gabriel
An Assemblymember representing Los Angeles County who authored the California Food Safety Act.
The details
The California Food Safety Act prohibits the use of brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and Red No. 3. Lawmakers removed titanium dioxide from the original proposal to facilitate bipartisan support for the legislation. Additionally, the state has introduced a voluntary label system for minimally processed ingredients to increase transparency for consumers.
Timeline
The California School Food Safety Act passed in 2024.
The Real Food, Healthy Kids Act passed in 2025.
Health Landscape
The California Food Safety Act represents a significant shift in state-level oversight of food additives, contrasting with broader federal regulatory approaches. This move follows a period of increasing scrutiny regarding the role of ultraprocessed foods in children's health outcomes.
These regulations prioritize safer ingredient profiles in school-provided meals across the state. Families concerned about the impact of synthetic dyes on behavioral health should discuss these nutritional changes and available dietary options with their pediatrician.
The takeaway
Legislative action in California is targeting synthetic additives that may contribute to neurobehavioral challenges in children. Parents can review school lunch menus for information on current ingredient standards and consult their doctor about managing diet-related behavioral concerns.
Further reading
For more information on how food quality impacts wellness, explore our Nutrition section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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