West Virginia’s House of Representatives and Senate have both given approval to legislation that would ban the distribution of numerous food dyes.
House Bill 2354, filed last month by Delegate Adam Burkhammer (R) and seven cosponsors, was given approval today by the Senate in an overwhelming 31 to 2 vote. The Senate’s approval comes less than a week after the House voted 93 to 5 to pass the bill. The measure will now go back to the House for one final vote of concurrence before being sent to Governor Patrick Morrisey, who has the option of signing it into law, allowing it to become law without a signature, or vetoing it.
If the proposal becomes law, which seems likely at this point, it would ban the sale of foods containing Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3. These dyes are commonly used in processed foods, candies, and beverages.
The full text of House Bill 2354 can be found by clicking here.
