Bill > SB314

This bill prohibits school districts and open-enrollment charter schools from providing free or reduced-price meals containing a specific list of 18 food additives and substances, including brominated vegetable oil (BVO), certain food coloring agents (like red 3, yellow 5, and blue 2), preservatives, and other chemical compounds. The bill defines these restrictions within the context of national school breakfast and lunch programs, which provide meals to eligible students at reduced or no cost. Schools must ensure that any meals served under these programs do not include the listed substances, and the law will apply starting with the 2026-2027 school year, specifically affecting food service contracts entered into or renewed on or after September 1, 2026. Importantly, the bill includes a provision that schools receiving a specific type of waiver (under Section 7.056) would not be considered in violation of this restriction. The bill aims to improve the nutritional quality of meals served to students by removing potentially harmful or controversial food additives from school meal programs.

Education, Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB314