Bill > HB1290

This bill prohibits school districts and open-enrollment charter schools from providing free or reduced-price meals containing certain food additives to eligible students under school meal programs. Specifically, the bill bans 15 different substances from these meals, including various food dyes (like red 3, yellow 5, and blue 1), chemical additives (such as brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, and azodicarbonamide), preservatives (like propylparaben and butylated hydroxyanisole), and other substances like titanium dioxide and caramel coloring. The restrictions will apply to meals served during the 2026-2027 school year and for any food service contracts entered into or renewed on or after September 1, 2026. The bill is designed to improve the nutritional quality of meals provided to students through national school breakfast and lunch programs by removing potentially harmful or controversial food additives. Schools that have received a specific type of waiver will be exempt from these requirements. The act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature, or otherwise on September 1, 2025.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1290