When school starts in West Virginia next month, 240,000 students in districts large and small will notice something missing from their cafeteria trays.

Gone will be red Jell-O fruit cups, yogurt topped with brightly hued sprinkles, and Cool Ranch Doritos — all foods made with synthetic dyes.

In their place will be foods that contain colors made only from natural sources — such as vegetables, spices, and seeds — after West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed a sweeping new law in March banning seven artificial dyes from school meals. 5

Other states have enacted similar laws that would strip artificial dyes from school meals, but West Virginia’s action is the first to take effect, starting Aug. 1.

It triggered a four-month sprint that left state and local nutrition directors reel

See Full Page