Multistate Associates Blog States Move to Regulate Artificial Food Dyes and Additives

Synthetic food dyes and some specific food preservatives found in a plethora of food products sold in the United States are coming under increased scrutiny in states across the country from lawmakers on both sides of the political spectrum. Bans on some ingredients in the European Union, Australia, and Japan combined with the rise of the "Make America Health Again" movement have inspired an unprecedented level of state legislative action in 2025. West Virginia recently became the first state to enact a sweeping ban on certain food dyes and additives in 2025, with legislative activity in more than 20 other states, as well. We expect states on both sides of the political spectrum to continue to seek policy proposals limiting the use of artificial ingredients in food over the next several years.