DELAWARE -The Delaware House of Representatives is scheduled to debate a bill was passed in the Senate (Bill 69), that would ban Red Dye 40, the synthetic additive—also known by its chemical number, CAS no. 25956-17-6—in school breakfasts, lunches, and competitive foods. Competitive foods include snacks sold in vending machines or offered à la carte in school cafeterias.
Long Neck's Representative Jeff Hilovsky (District 4 -R) and Milford's Bryan Shupe (District 36 -R) are sponsoring the bill in the House.
According to bill sponsors. Red Dye 40 is a petroleum-derived artificial colorant found in a wide range of products including cereals, beverages, gelatins, dairy items, and candies. While it is widely used in the U.S., studies have linked the dye to hyperactivity, aggression, migraines, and learning difficulties in some children.
The act takes effect immediately but includes a one-year planning period to allow the Delaware Department of Education and school districts to prepare for full implementation by mid-2026.