New California Bill Bans Synthetic Colors in School Meals and Snacks

California’s governor has signed a new bill into law which prohibits the sale of food or beverages using synthetic colors in schools of grades kindergarten through twelfth grade, effective December 31, 2027. Bill 2316 was first introduced February 2024 and passed through several committees before passing the Senate and Assembly to be signed into law on September 28, 2024. The bill specifically names FD&C Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6.

This news follows a 2023 piece of California legislation banning FD&C Red 3, propylparabens, potassium bromate, and brominated vegetable oil from food and beverage products effective January 1, 2027.

The original text of that bill also included titanium dioxide among the banned ingredients and inspired copycat bills to be introduced in states across the nation.

As individual states pass laws like these, manufacturers and brands are often forced to respond on a national level due to the logistical challenges of compliance in only one part of the country. Moving away from synthetic colors to comply with this law will require conversion to natural alternatives.

Conversion from synthetic colors is not always a simple task. Target shade, finished good type, processing conditions, budget, formula restrictions, and labeling requirements can all play a role.

The most common factors our technical team handles when supporting developers in conversion projects are acidity, heat processing, water activity, and ingredient interaction. Each application will have different conditions and therefore certain natural color solutions will be more successful than others.

Manufacturers must consider these critical factors when facing a major conversion project 

Whether you are a brand seeking options, a developer faced with a conversion challenge, or a manufacturer responding to new legislative requirements, our team can assist. With a broader portfolio than ever and a deep well of innovative color solutions, Sensient is ready to help you unleash nature’s rainbow in your next project.