WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Maryland lawmakers are considering a ban on artificial food dyes linked to hyperactivity and other behavior problems in some children.
A bill introduced by state Sen. Norman Stone would require warning labels on foods that contain Red 40, Yellow 5 and other artificial food dyes. The bill would prohibit their use after 2012.
A separate bill would prohibit food dyes in Maryland schools, the Center for Science in the Public Interest said Friday in a release.
The non-profit Center for Science in the Public Interest last year called for a federal ban on artificial food dyes based on two British studies suggesting the dyes promote increased hyperactivity and related behavior problems in children.
The Maryland bill would require the warning label on any food products containing Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Orange B, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5 or Yellow 6.
