Monroe Review

State Representative Jamie Thompson is supporting a legislative plan aimed at protecting Michigan children from harmful food dyes and additives. The proposed legislation, House Bill 4369, seeks to prohibit schools from providing or selling foods containing specific ingredients, including Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1 and 2, Yellow 6, brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, and propylparaben.

Thompson expressed concerns about the impact of these additives on children's health. "Simply put, some of this crap should not be in food for our kids when we have seen evidence that it plays a role in debilitating conditions that make it harder to focus, learn and develop," said Thompson. As both a mother and legal guardian to her grandchildren, she emphasized the importance of nutrition in ensuring children's safety and health at school.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is responsible for setting nutrition standards for the school lunch program but has been criticized for allowing chemical ingredients banned in other countries. Studies indicate these substances can negatively affect children's health by causing issues such as hyperactivity and aggression.

Research funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) highlights potential risks associated with certain synthetic food dyes. For instance, Red 40 has been linked to DNA damage and may contribute to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children and adults.

In response to growing concerns over synthetic dyes' health impacts, federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration announced plans earlier this year to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes by next year.

Thompson holds the position of Vice Chair on the House Health Policy Committee. With its recent approval in the House, HB 4369 will now proceed to the Senate for further consideration.