Later high school start times; OTC decongestant officially ineffective; California passes food additive ban bill - Morning Medical Update

Later high school start times

In response to overwhelming data suggesting that extra sleep improves grades, California and Florida have become the first states to mandate later start times for schools. Both states have passed laws adjusting their high school start times to 8:30 a.m., which is the earliest time recommended by the American Medical Association.

OTC decongestant officially ineffective

A unanimous vote from the Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee decided this week that over-the-counter decongestants containing oral phenylephrine are ineffective. Members also voted against further studies. "This is a done deal. As far as I'm concerned, it doesn't work," panelist Paul Pisarik, MD, MPH, a geriatric physician at ArchWell Health in Tulsa, Oklahoma said in an interview.

California passes food additive ban bill

The California Legislature has passed a bill that could ban four food additives connected to potential health issues. If signed, Assembly Bill 418 would ban red dye No. 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propylparaben staring in 2027. If enacted, it would be the first ban on additives permitted by the Food and Drug Administration.