The state has also partnered with federal officials to promote healthier nutrition choices and limit soda purchases under SNAP.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey recently announced new state legislation banning seven artificial food dyes from school lunches starting in August 2025. The law also prohibits these dyes, along with preservatives BHA and propylparaben, in all food products sold in the state by January 2028.
“West Virginia is leading the nation in passing a bill to clean up our food supply and submitting a waiver to remove soda from SNAP. I commend the 24 states pushing MAHA bills to clean up our food system, improve school lunches, submit waivers to SNAP, and promote patient choice,” Secretary Kennedy said.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins expressed support for the waiver request, pledging technical assistance to guarantee the proposal moves forward. The ban covers commonly used dyes such as Red Dye No. 3, Yellow Dye No. 5, and Blue Dye No. 1, which have been linked to potential health risks.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Kennedy as he oversees the federal health department and seeks to remove harmful substances from the nation’s food supply.
- For Secretary Rollins as she manages the USDA and collaborates on nutritional health initiatives with HHS officials.
Sources: Department of Health and Human Services
