The passage by the state legislature of a bill to prohibit schools in California from serving Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Twinkies and certain other snacks is drawing national attention, as California laws often do.
The bill’s author has said the ban is needed to limit the intake of dyes that they say have been linked to behavioral issues among kids who have ADHD.
“This bill will empower schools to better protect the health and wellbeing of our kids and encourage manufacturers to stop using these harmful additives, says the author, Democratic lawmaker Jesse Gabriel, who says he struggled with ADHD.
A spokesman for the Consumer Brands Association told Politico. “It’s unfortunate that scientifically proven, safe ingredients have been demonized for the purpose of advancing a political agenda. And he says the measure “could cost schools and families money, limit choice and access, and create consumer confusion.”
The bill is not law until Governor Newsom signs it. If he does, it would not prevent kids from bringing their snacks of choice to school. But Gabriel hopes it will nudge food makers to change their formulas.
How parents and voters feel about it could make the difference, so the Governor may chew it on for a while before he decides where to sign it.
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