Latest news with #EricBuckson
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
This new law bans Red No. 40 from sale, distribution in Delaware schools. What to know
Delaware is the latest state to ban Red No. 40 in schools. Here's how the new law came about. Senate Bill 69 was introduced on March 11 by Sen. Eric Buckson, R-South Dover, and aims to protect students in the First State from the potential health risks associated with Food, Drug and Cosmetic Red No. 40, a synthetic food dye made from petroleum. It contains benzene, a cancer-causing substance. SB 69 prohibits the sale or distribution of foods and beverages containing Red No. 40 during the school day in Delaware school districts and charter schools. This includes items sold in vending machines on campus or served a la carte. Recent concerns over the impact of synthetic food dyes on children's health, including potential links to behavioral issues and hyperactivity, were cited as reasons for the proposed ban. SB 69 was signed into law by Gov. Matt Meyer on May 22, with the restrictions on Red No. 40 to take effect by July 1, 2026, allowing schools and education officials time to prepare for the transition. This makes Delaware only the second state, behind California, to ban Red No. 40 in schools. At least six other states have introduced similar legislation. Senate Bill 41 is a similar bill in Delaware that aims to ban Red No. 3 statewide, another synthetic food dye. This bill has yet to be decided on. More on proposed Red No. 3 ban: Along with the FDA ban, Delaware legislators seek to ban use of Red No. 3 in the state Red No. 40 is widely used and found in a variety of foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, according to Healthline, including: Flavored milk Yogurt Pudding Ice cream Popsicles Cakes and other pastries Candy Gum Breakfast cereals and bars Fruit snacks Gelatin Chips Powdered drink mixes, including some protein powders Soda Sports drinks Energy drinks More legislation news: Medical aid in dying becomes law, Inspector General bill passes Senate: The Press Room If Red No. 40 is in a product, it will be listed on the label as: Red 40 Red 40 Lake FD&C Red No. 40 FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake Allura Red AC CI Food Red 17 INS No. 129 E129 Sidewalk parking violations: Wilmington officials address complaints about vehicles parked on sidewalk Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin atkgriffin@ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Red No. 40 banned in Delaware schools, second US state to do so
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Officials move to ban controversial food item found in schools across the country: 'Prioritizing student health'
Changes could be on the menu for Delaware schools after state lawmakers introduced a new bill. Senate Bill 69 would prohibit selling or distributing food and beverages that contain Red 40 at public and charter schools, according to the Delaware News Journal. Sen. Eric Buckson is the primary sponsor of the bill, which looks to protect students from potential health risks associated with the food additive. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration, Red 40 is a synthetic food dye made from petroleum. The dye is used in various foods, including cereal, beverages, dairy products, and sugary treats. However, Cleveland Clinic named allergic reactions and migraines as potential side effects. There are also studies that link artificial food dyes to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in kids. The introduction of the bill comes just months after the FDA announced a nationwide ban on Red 3 in food, beverages, and drug products. Red 3 and Red 40 are not the same, though they pose similar concerns. According to scientists, Red 3 may cause cancer and thyroid issues, which prompted the European Union to ban the additive over 30 years ago. Delaware isn't the first state to take a stand against artificial food dyes. Many states across the nation have worked to pass laws prohibiting synthetic food coloring. Companies are moving away from dyes, too. PepsiCo is in the process of phasing out synthetic dyes used in snacks. The company will use natural ingredients instead. Banning artificial food dyes is a win for the environment as well. According to one study, synthetic dyes are harmful to animals, plants, and humans. Untreated synthetic dyes released into bodies of water can reduce light for photosynthesis, affecting the entire food chain. If the new bill is passed in Delaware, the restrictions would take effect in schools by July 1, 2026. The Senate Education Committee is reviewing the legislation. "The bill ensures Delaware is prioritizing student health while providing room for reasonable exemptions as necessary," Buckson said. Do you think kids learn enough about gardening in school? Not even close There could be more focus It's probably about right It doesn't belong in school Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Delaware lawmakers propose a bill banning Red No. 40 from use in public, charter schools
Red No. 40 could be banned from Delaware schools if a new bill passes. The effort comes on the heels of a similar bill proposing a statewide ban on Red No. 3 Senate Bill 69 was introduced on March 11 by Sen. Eric Buckson (R-South Dover) and aims to protect students in the First State from the potential health risks associated with Food, Drug and Cosmetic Red No. 40, a synthetic food dye made from petroleum. SB 69 would prohibit selling or distributing foods and beverages containing Red No. 40 during the school day in public and charter schools in Delaware. Recent concerns over the impact of synthetic food dyes on children's health, including potential links to behavioral issues and hyperactivity, were cited as reasons for the proposed ban. Red No. 40 is widely used and found in a variety of foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, according to Healthline, including: Flavored milk Yogurt Pudding Ice cream Popsicles Cakes and other pastries Candy Gum Breakfast cereals and bars Fruit snacks Gelatin Chips Powdered drink mixes, including some protein powders Soda Sports drinks Energy drinks More education news: Don't call it recess: Delaware educators look to bring more 'play' to early learning If Red No. 40 is in a product, it will be listed on the label as: Red 40 Red 40 Lake FD&C Red No. 40 FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake Allura Red AC CI Food Red 17 INS No. 129 E129 ICYMI: Emergency Sirens will be tested throughout Delaware by DEMA in April The ban on Red No. 40 was originally proposed as part of a substitute to Senate Bill 41, which seeks a statewide ban on Red No. 3, another synthetic food dye. The Food and Drug Administration announced a nationwide ban on Red No. 3 earlier this year. The substitute was added to SB 41 in February and proposed that along with the statewide ban on Red No. 3, Red No. 40 should also be banned for manufacture, sale, delivery and distribution across the state. The legislation pointed to several states planning to ban, limit, or require warning labels on food products with Red No. 40. That substitute was later amended for a second substitute for SB 41, which removed Red No. 40 from the bill. SB 41 now focuses solely on Red No. 3 while SB 69 pertains to Red No. 40 in schools. Sen. Buckson addressed the change by saying he recognizes the importance of a practical and focused approach to handling the presence of both food additives. He added that refining and separating the actions proposed for both Red No. 3 and Red No. 40 ensures a responsible transition for businesses and schools. SB 69 has been assigned to the Senate Education Committee and is awaiting further consideration. If passed, the restrictions on Red No. 40 would be implemented by July 1, 2026, to allow schools and education officials time to prepare for the transition. Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Recently introduced bill proposes Red No. 40 ban in Delaware schools
