A Colorful Change: West Virginia Leads the Charge Against Synthetic Food Dyes

Imagine sitting at a dinner table with your children, laughing and sharing stories, when suddenly one of them becomes overly energetic, wildly fidgeting and losing focus. It’s an all-too-common scenario for some families, but for Adam Burkhammer, a West Virginia legislator, it was the catalyst for a significant legislative change.

Turning Personal Experience into Legislative Action

When Burkhammer and his wife noticed their foster child’s hyperactivity, they decided to explore dietary adjustments. Their investigation led them to a decision that would change their family’s eating habits: they eliminated foods containing synthetic dyes. The result? “We saw a turnaround in his behavior, and our other children,” Burkhammer shared, clearly moved by the transformation they witnessed.

His personal experience became the groundwork for a bill that would shake the foundations of food regulation in the state. In March, West Virginia made headlines as the first state to ban seven synthetic dyes from food products, a move that many hope will lead to healthier choices for children across the country.

The Bigger Picture: Nationwide Efforts to Regulate Dyes

Burkhammer’s initiative isn’t an isolated event. In 2025 alone, approximately 75 bills aimed at regulating synthetic dyes surfaced in 37 states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Synthetic dyes have long been a staple in food production, giving everything from candies to cereals their vivid colors. However, increasing studies show potential links between these additives and hyperactivity in children, igniting a passionate debate on their safety.

With Burkhammer at the helm, West Virginia’s law joins a broader “Make America Healthy Again” agenda spearheaded by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This initiative emphasizes health policy changes, urging states to prioritize nutrition and well-being, with the backing of both Republicans and, in some cases, Democrats.

What’s Driving the New Legislation?

The push against synthetic dyes is just one part of a larger movement. Recent measures reveal a concerning trend where state lawmakers tackle issues such as routine vaccinations and the use of medications like ivermectin for non-approved treatments. From rolling back vaccination requirements to targeting fluoridated water, these sweeping state initiatives reflect a growing desire to redefine health policies.

In addition to West Virginia, six other states are making similar moves against synthetic dyes, implementing laws that either require warning labels or outlaw these additives in schools. California, for instance, adopted such a law in 2023, indicating a growing consensus that the safety of food ingredients should be a priority.

Corporate Response: Is Change on the Horizon?

Major food corporations are taking note of this legislative shift. Companies like Nestle, Hershey, and PepsiCo have pledged to phase out some artificial color additives within the next couple of years. “We anticipate that the momentum we saw in 2025 will continue into 2026, with a particular focus on ingredient safety and transparency,” noted John Hewitt from the Consumer Brands Association, illustrating how lawmakers’ actions are influencing corporate behaviors.

This rapid shift in regulations has spurred the trade group to encourage its members to eliminate federally certified artificial dyes by the end of 2027. “The state laws are really what’s motivating companies to get rid of dyes,” explained Jensen Jose, regulatory counsel for the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

A Diverse Political Landscape

What stands out is the unexpected bipartisan nature of these initiatives. Andy Baker-White, who leads state health policy efforts for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, noted it’s rare to see states from both sides of the political spectrum taking decisive steps on similar health issues. For example, states from across the political spectrum have found common ground, uniting under the gravity of nutritional impact.

This uncommon alliance manifests in legislation that may soon ban ultraprocessed foods from schools, following from measures taken by California Governor Gavin Newsom. His policies could inspire similar actions nationwide as states grapple with food safety, perhaps inciting further legal battles against food companies that face scrutiny for promoting unhealthy products.

Rethinking Nutrition: A Shift in Focus

Interestingly, while there’s a noticeable push to regulate synthetic food dyes, the conversation around tackling sugar and sodium intake remains lukewarm. Proponents on different political fronts struggle to reach consensus on which ingredients pose the greatest risks. Some right-leaning lawmakers have even championed raw milk, despite its potential health risks.

Despite the progress, the landscape for public health faces significant hurdles. The faltering access to vaccines by the FDA has prompted a response from blue states, with 15 Democratic governors forming a coalition to establish higher public health standards, contrasting sharply with some red states that are rolling back vaccine mandates for employees.

The Ripple Effect of Rural Health Policies

At the core of this movement is the Rural Health Transformation Program—a $50 billion initiative created to provide incentives for states that implement policies supporting the “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. “There are real and concrete effects where the rural health money gives points for changes in SNAP eligibility or the SNAP definitions,” Baker-White remarked.

As states like California take bold steps to define ultraprocessed foods legally and impose restrictions on SNAP purchases, the impact of these policies grows. As of December, efforts to bar SNAP benefits for sugary products are in place in up to 18 states.

The Road Ahead: Congress and State Lawmakers

With numerous proposals still pending at the federal level, state legislators are taking the lead. Burkhammer stated, “If we’re honest, the American people have lost faith in some of our federal institutions, whether FDA or CDC. We’re going to step up as states and do the right thing.”

This sentiment captures a rising tide of desire amongst state lawmakers to take control of public health concerns. The implications are profound, as we may see more states follow West Virginia’s lead in regulating not just food dyes but a range of health-related issues.

Why This Matters

As Burkhammer turned his family’s experience into legislative action, it symbolizes a shift towards prioritizing healthy choices. The burgeoning movement against synthetic dyes reflects a society grappling with what it means to nourish ourselves and our children properly.

This story offers a powerful reminder: real change often starts with personal experiences. It encourages each of us to think critically about the food we consume and its effects, especially on our children. Policies shaped by personal stories can pave the way for broader societal shifts aimed at improving public health and wellness.

As states bravely tread paths once reserved for federal authority, it beckons the question: how can parents, families, and individuals engage in discussions around food safety, making informed choices, and advocating for healthier environments for their community? In an age where what we eat directly impacts our well-being, understanding the connection becomes ever more vital.