California Bans Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Gatorade And More From School Cafeterias
School cafeteria food has never been a 5-star experience, but it’s an irreplaceable part of our childhood. The cafeteria is home to many classic foods, from square pizza and milk chocolate in a carton to single-serve cereal cups. Recently we even covered a new brand that specializes in cafeteria-style classics. Last week, however, California’s Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation that bans food containing blue, green, yellow, and red dyes from school cafeteria menus statewide.
That includes popular go-tos like Froot Loops, Trix Cereal, Gatorade, Skittles, and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Cue the tiny violins for my childhood memories. Nevertheless, Gov. Newsom has made the right decision. Studies have shown a connection between consuming artificial dyes and hyperactivity and behavioral issues like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
“Our health is inextricably tied to the food we eat — but fresh, health foods aren’t always available for families,” said Newsom in a statement. “Today, we are refusing to accept the status quo, and making it possible for everyone, including school kids, to access nutritious, delicious food without harmful, and often addictive additives.”
Food dyes only scratch the surface of the changes our school cafeteria system needs. It is long overdue for an overhaul. The USDA just recently put into motion its Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 on July 1, 2024. Here’s an excerpt from the official statement:
“School meals will continue to emphasize fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and give children the right balance of many nutrients for healthy tasty meals,” the website reads. “For the first time, schools will also focus on offering products with less added sugars, especially in school breakfast.” If anything, the words “for the first time” are an example of how behind nutrition guidelines for American schools are.
According to The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 70 to 80% of school children consume too many added sugars. And 90% of school children consume more sodium than recommended, per a similar USDA study. Forbes reported on USDA’s update when it was announced in 2020, and one rule change re-classified pasta made with starchy vegetable-based flours as vegetables. That’s even if it is served by itself. What’s more, French fries count as vegetables, too.
Hopefully this is a step in the right direction for students to get the proper nutrition at school.
