Bill > SB69

This bill amends Delaware's education code to prohibit school districts and charter schools from selling or serving any foods or beverages containing Red dye 40 (a synthetic food coloring) on campus during the school day. The bill provides detailed definitions for key terms such as "campus" (the school property accessible to students during school hours), "competitive food" (foods and beverages sold through school nutrition programs outside of standard meals), and "school day" (midnight before to 30 minutes after the official school day ends). The legislation references federal nutrition program definitions for "breakfast" and "lunch" and gives the Department of Education authority to create rules and regulations for implementing this restriction. The bill will become effective immediately but will be implemented starting July 1, 2026, which provides schools and food service providers time to adjust their menus and food sourcing to comply with the new requirement. The primary aim appears to be reducing students' exposure to this specific artificial food coloring, potentially due to health concerns associated with Red dye 40.

Education

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=141908