Let’s take the dyes out—of our food and N.J. politics | Opinion
By Andrew Zwicker and Shama Haider
At a time when our country feels more divided than ever, there’s something quietly powerful happening in state legislatures: Democrats and Republicans are coming together to protect our children’s health.
You might not expect California and West Virginia to agree on much. Despite their political differences, deep blue California and ruby red West Virginia have both taken the same rare step: banning harmful artificial food colorings from meals served to children. And here in New Jersey, we’re working to do the same—with a bill that puts health over politics.
Our legislation, S3016/A4132, isn’t about scoring points or picking sides; it’s about doing what’s right.
Backed by science and public health research, this bill bans four chemical additives—brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye 3—from commercial food products sold in New Jersey.
Each of these substances has already been banned in the European Union due to links with cancer, reproductive harm, and behavioral challenges in children. Clearly, these artificial colorings have no place in the food we eat, and certainly not in the snacks and meals our children consume daily.
Our bill goes a step further, banning six more dangerous dyes — including Red 40 and Yellow 5 — from food sold in schools by 2028. The science supports this: in a systematic review of 25 clinical challenge studies exposing children to synthetic food dyes, 64% found evidence of adverse behavioral impacts such as hyperactivity (ADHD), particularly in younger children. Our goal is simple: ensure that school meals nourish, not harm, the next generation.
This isn’t a fringe idea — 84% of Democrats and 90% of Republicans in New Jersey support banning certain food dyes and additives — and legislators across the state are doubling down to get it done.
Our bill has already advanced through one Assembly committee, and in the Senate, similar legislation is being championed by Republican Leader Anthony Bucco and Sen. James Beach, a Democrat. It’s clear this is a growing, bipartisan movement grounded in common sense with cross-country support.
California. West Virginia. And now New Jersey.
When states from opposite ends of the political spectrum stand side-by-side on a public health issue, we should all take note. Because the truth is this is an issue that transcends party lines — it’s about safeguarding our children, no matter your politics or zip code.
We know kids today face enough obstacles —nutritional inequality shouldn’t be one of them. And while no single bill can fix everything, S3016 is a meaningful step toward cleaner, safer food for all families in New Jersey.
So let’s take this as a model. If we can come together to take the dyes out of our food, maybe we can take the dyes out of our politics, too. Red and blue don’t belong on a plate — and they don’t have to define every decision we make.
Andrew Zwicker, a Democrat, is a New Jersey state senator, representing the 16th Legislative District. Shama Haider, a Democrat, serves in the Generally Assembly, representing the 37th District.
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