RFK Jr. in West Virginia to talk food dyes, SNAP benefits

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (TNND) — Health and Human Services Secretary is in West Virginia on Friday to attend an event with the state’s governor about a food dye ban that was recently signed into law amid a nationwide push ban or restrict use of synthetic dyes in food.

Kennedy and West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey will “make announcements regarding food dyes and proposed changes to SNAP,” according to a press release. Kennedy has spearheaded a movement to ban some food dyes over concerns tied to neurobehavioral problems in some children.

Morrisey signed a bill earlier this week that prohibits some food dyes in school lunches and unhealthy food items for sale in the state. The ban on the dyes takes effect in 2028.

“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. Thank you to the Legislature, HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy, and the entire Trump Administration for helping us launch this movement right here in West Virginia,” Morrisey said in a statement.

The governor and lawmakers who sponsored the legislation said it was inspired by Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement.