By Ahmed Aboulenein

MARTINSBURG, West Virginia (Reuters) – West Virginia banned food dyes on Friday and said it would restrict the use of food stamps to buy soda, advancing two priorities of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Flanked by school children, Governor Patrick Morrisey signed legislation banning seven food dyes in a high school auditorium in the city of Martinsburg with Kennedy in attendance. 

The ban will take effect in August, initially applying to school lunches before extending to all food products sold in the state starting next year. Morrisey did not say how the state intends to enforce the ban. He is also requesting a waiver from the federal government to enact the soda restriction. Kennedy praised him and called on other states to follow suit.

“The message that I want to give to the country and all the other governors is get in line behind Governor Morrisey and apply for a waiver at my agency, and we’re going to give it to you,” Kennedy told a cheering audience. Supporters wore badges bearing the “Make America Healthy Again” slogan of the Kennedy-led movement.

Outside the school, dozens gathered to protest his visit, carrying signs saying “RFK is dangerous” or in support of vaccines, which Kennedy has criticized. 

In his speech, Kennedy blamed food dyes for rising rates of ADHD and cancer.

The evidence for any relationship of food dyes with these conditions is mixed. Some studies have suggested potential links, while others have not. He also criticized soda companies, likening them to tobacco makers.

Republicans have long sought to restrict low-income Americans on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from using the benefit to buy soda and processed foods, arguing that taxpayer funds should go toward healthy choices.

(Reporting by Ahmed Aboulenein in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis)

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