CA
California food additive bans
California School Food Safety Act
UpcomingAB 2316 · AB 2316 (2024) · Cal. Educ. Code § 49431.9
From December 21, 2027, California public schools cannot serve or sell food containing six synthetic dyes. Applies to school meal programs and on-campus sales — retail is untouched.
Scope & effective dates
School food
Dec 21, 2027
Upcoming
Covered ingredients (6)
Status history
Feb 2024
Introduced
Aug 2024
Passed legislature
Sep 2024
Signed — enacted
Jun 2026
California publishes AB 2316 implementation guidance
Dept. of Education guidance clarifies that à-la-carte and on-campus vending sales are covered alongside meal programs.
Citations & sources
California Food Safety Act
UpcomingAB 418 · AB 418 (2023) · Cal. Health & Safety Code § 109025
From January 1, 2027, food containing Red 3, BVO, potassium bromate, or propylparaben cannot be manufactured, sold, or distributed in California. The first state law of its kind — and the template most other state bills copy.
Scope & effective dates
Retail sale
Jan 1, 2027
Upcoming
Covered ingredients (4)
Status history
Feb 2023
Introduced
AB 418 introduced in the California Assembly.
Sep 2023
Passed legislature
Oct 2023
Signed — enacted
First state ban on these four additives.
May 2026
CA § 109025 enforcement regulations adopted
Final regulations set the penalty schedule for the Jan 1, 2027 ban: $5,000 first violation, $10,000 each subsequent.
Citations & sources