(WXYZ) — In today’s Health Alert, West Virginia is making headlines with one of the country’s biggest bans on artificial food dyes and preservatives. Supporters say it’s a step toward better public health, while some worry about higher food costs.

West Virginia is banning seven artificial food dyes: Red No. 3 and 40, Yellow No. 5 and 6, Blue No. 1 and 2, and Green No. 3.

These dyes will be removed from school lunches starting in August. Then, in January 2028, they’ll be banned from all food products sold in the state, along with two preservatives— propylparaben and butylated hydroxyanisole, or BHA for short.

Now, what are the health risks? Research has linked some of these dyes to behavioral issues, particularly in children. A 2021 California study found that Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Yellow No. 6 may contribute to hyperactivity and attention problems. BHA has been labeled a possible carcinogen, and propylparaben has raised concerns about hormone disruption.

The FDA currently allows 36 color additives in food. But here’s the challenge—before the agency can ban something, there has to be strong scientific proof of harm. And that’s tough with food dyes because it’s unethical to test them on people, especially kids. So, even though some studies link food dyes to health issues, the evidence isn’t conclusive.

Now, West Virginia is one of the unhealthiest states, with high rates of obesity and diabetes. State leaders see this as a step toward improving public health. But there are other issues, like people worrying that this ban could raise food prices. Plus, there are consumer preferences. When General Mills made the switch in 2016, some people complained that the new colors looked dull, so they switched back to artificial colors.

In my opinion, we don’t need these dyes. They don’t make food safer or more nutritious. They just make food products look more appealing, so we buy them. Instead, we need to adjust our expectations. Even better, we need to make healthier choices. Cutting out dyes in processed foods does not cut out sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Instead, I recommend nourishing your body with whole foods rich in antioxidants, fiber, and essential nutrients. That’s a much better move for overall health. But if you do buy packaged foods, check the ingredient labels and look for brands that have already phased out artificial dyes.

In the most sweeping move of its kind, West Virginia has banned foods containing most artificial food dyes and two preservatives, citing their potential health risks.

Web Editor : Jessica Patrick

Posted 2025-03-26T06:52:14-0400 – Updated 2025-03-26T06:54:06-0400

Jessica Aber, the former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), died of natural causes, the Alexandria Police Department said of its initial probe on Tuesday.

After receiving a report of an unresponsive woman on Saturday, police responded to the 900 block of Beverley Drive at around 9:18 a.m., where they found Aber deceased.

“At this time, detectives have found no evidence suggesting that her death was caused by anything other than natural causes,” Alexandria police said. “The investigation is ongoing, and the case will remain open until the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) returns a final ruling on the cause and manner of death.”

Aber began her service for EDVA as an assistant U.S. attorney in 2009. She served on a detailed assignment as counsel to the assistant attorney general for the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice from 2015 to 2016. She then served as the deputy chief of EDVA’s criminal division.

Aber was nominated U.S. attorney by former President Joe Biden and unanimously confirmed by the Senate in 2021. She resigned two months ago when President Donald Trump took office.

Aber’s former colleagues are honoring her legacy.

In a post on X, Attorney General of Virginia Jason Miyares said, “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Jessica Aber, whose career of public service included US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and whose work with Ceasefire Virginia saved more lives than we may ever realize.”

Erik S. Siebert, the current U.S. attorney for EDVA, described Aber in a statement as being “unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being.”

“We remain in awe of how much she accomplished in her all too brief time in this world. Her professionalism, grace, and legal acumen set the standard,” he said. “Though we are devastated by this loss, each of us in the Eastern District of Virginia will look to her example and endeavor to live up to that standard.”

News4 sends breaking news stories by email. Go here to sign up to get breaking news alerts in your inbox.

Siebert also said Aber was a “proud Virginian” who graduated from the University of Richmond and earned her J.D. from William & Mary Law School.

“She loved EDVA and EDVA loved her back,” Siebert said. “We remain committed to her life’s work, a commitment to seeking justice, as she would have wanted.”