California could ban Flamin' Hot Cheetos and other snacks in schools under new bill

Snacks such as Flamin' Hot Cheetos may soon be banned in California schools. A bill proposed in the state assembly seeks remove foods from schools that contain artificial ingredients like red 40, blue 1 and titanium dioxide. Many child-focused foods like chips and cereals contain these ingredients.

Cheetos varieties, including the popular and spicy Flamin' Hot version, and other chips such as Doritos include colorings red 40, yellow 5 and yellow 6 – all on the list of ingredients that would be banned if the bill is enacted. Cereals like Froot Loops and Fruity Pebbles also include these yellow and red dyes as well as blue 1. Candies like Jolly Ranchers also contain these ingredients. 

Some soups, mac and cheese brands and other foods can contain titanium dioxide, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, which has long advocated for the banning of foods with the substance and synthetic dyes.