Senate approves ban on several synthetic food dyes with 2030 phase‑in

RICHMOND — The Virginia Senate approved legislation on March 13 to restrict several synthetic color additives in food sold or manufactured in the Commonwealth and to give businesses a multi‑year phase‑in to comply.

Senator Holtzman, who sponsored Senate Bill 21, said the bill prohibits seven named artificial color additives statewide and assigns enforcement to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. "We are saying that in the Commonwealth of Virginia, we will not allow certain artificial color additives in foods to be sold across our state," the sponsor said, adding an effective date of Jan. 1, 2030 to allow industry time to reformulate.

Questions at the lectern focused on exceptions, enforcement and potential price impacts for natural alternatives. Senator Taylor asked what exceptions (line 20) refer to; the sponsor said the department will decide exceptions. Senator Miller asked whether prices for natural dyes would rise; the sponsor said the four‑year phase‑in gives businesses time to adjust and that some companies have already pledged reductions.

After discussion, the Senate recorded Ayes 19, No 8 and the presiding officer announced passage of Senate Bill 21.

Outcome: Senate Bill 21 passed and will be implemented with enforcement by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, effective Jan. 1, 2030, under the bill’s language.