Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday he would direct California state agencies to investigate the health risks of food dyes and recommend ways for the state to further regulate the sales of candy, soda and other additive-heavy foods.
He issued an executive order Friday that aimed to curb “ultra-processed” food while promoting access to healthier foods, like fruits and vegetables.
The governor signed legislation last year banning the sale in schools of foods with certain synthetic dyes in them in a bipartisan effort to limit children’s exposure to such chemicals and to promote access to healthy foods. The ban targets snacks — such as Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and Skittles — that contain Red No. 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2 and Green 3, ingredients linked to hyperactivity and adverse behavioral effects in children…