Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed House Bill 2354, which will implement the ban on a tiered basis. (Getty Images/Fox News)
"West Virginia ranks at the bottom of many public health metrics, which is why there’s no better place to lead the Make America Healthy Again mission," Morrisey said after signing the new bill. "By eliminating harmful chemicals from our food, we’re taking steps toward improving the health of our residents and protecting our children from significant long-term health and learning challenges."
Morrisey also thanked Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Trump administration "for helping us launch this movement right here in West Virginia."
Earlier this month, Kennedy instructed FDA officials to explore potential changes to its "Substances Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)" standards that apply regulatory classification to substances added to food. Kennedy has long been a proponent of food safety and said as HHS secretary he wants to promote "radical transparency" on the issue.
American Beverage said the new West Virginia bill will significantly limit consumer choices and raise grocery store prices. (iStock)
"We want to be really clear about the impact of this sweeping ban, it will hurt West Virginians, both consumers, workers and the overall economy, all over ingredients that have been proven safe," said Meridith Potter, American Beverage senior vice president.
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"West Virginians deserve choice, information and facts, not fear," Potter added. "The fact is, this bill will take away choices from West Virginians by eliminating products in nearly every aisle of the grocery store."
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/west-virginia-passes-first-of-its-kind-law-banning-food-dyes-preservatives