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HB 2354

Banning certain products from food in West Virginia

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Brooks and 7 co-sponsors

House Bill 2354 bans harmful food dyes in West Virginia, protecting public health, especially children, by requiring safer food products in stores and schools starting 2025.

Chapter 206, Acts, Regular Session, 2025
#consumerprotection #health
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Bill Summary · HB 2354

Summary of House Bill 2354: Banning Certain Products from Food in West Virginia

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HB 2354
  • Title: Banning Certain Products from Food in West Virginia
  • Status: Chapter 206, Acts, Regular Session, 2025
  • Introduced: February 13, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Consumer Protection, Health

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2354 aims to enhance public health by prohibiting the use of specific food dyes and additives that are considered injurious to health in food products sold within the state of West Virginia. The bill seeks to protect consumers, particularly vulnerable populations such as children, from potential health risks associated with these substances.

Key Provisions

The bill amends and reenacts §16-7-2 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, introducing the following significant changes:

Prohibition of Specific Dyes

  • Effective Date: The amendments will take effect on January 1, 2027.
  • Banned Dyes: The following food dyes are prohibited from being used in any food products sold in West Virginia:
    • Red Dye No. 3
    • Red Dye No. 40
    • Yellow Dye No. 5
    • Yellow Dye No. 6
    • Blue Dye No. 1
    • Blue Dye No. 2
    • Green Dye No. 3

School Nutrition Programs

  • Effective Date: A separate provision regarding school nutrition programs will take effect on August 1, 2025.
  • Restrictions: The banned dyes will not be permitted as ingredients in any meals served in school nutrition programs, with exceptions for fundraising events held off school premises or after school hours.

Impact

Who Will Be Affected?

  • Consumers: The general public, particularly families with children, will benefit from reduced exposure to potentially harmful food additives.
  • Food Manufacturers and Retailers: Companies producing or selling food products in West Virginia will need to reformulate their products to comply with the new regulations.
  • Schools: Educational institutions will need to adjust their meal offerings to eliminate the banned dyes from their menus.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 13, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Resources.
  • February 20, 2025: Reported by the committee.
  • March 14, 2025: Passed by the Senate and House with amendments.
  • March 24, 2025: Approved by the Governor.
  • July 31, 2025: Became law as Chapter 206, effective January 1, 2027, for the general provisions and August 1, 2025, for school nutrition programs.

Conclusion

House Bill 2354 represents a significant step towards improving food safety and public health in West Virginia by banning certain harmful food dyes. The implementation of this legislation will require adjustments from food manufacturers and schools, ultimately aiming to foster a healthier environment for consumers.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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