Bill > S0026

This bill proposes to prohibit school districts and approved independent schools from serving foods or beverages containing six specific artificial food dyes during the school day. The banned dyes include Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, which are identified by their Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry numbers. The restriction applies to school lunch and breakfast programs, as well as competitive foods (which is defined by federal regulations as foods sold in competition with school meals). The prohibition does not apply to foods or beverages sold or served off school campus or outside of school hours, specifically from at least a half-hour after the school day until midnight. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2027, giving schools and food service providers several years to adjust their food offerings to comply with the new regulations. The goal appears to be reducing students' exposure to certain artificial food colorings during the school day.

Education, Health and Social Services

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.26