Bill > HB1962

This bill aims to prohibit schools in Arkansas from serving or selling ultra-processed food on school campuses during the normal school day, starting January 1, 2028. The bill defines "school" as including public school districts, open-enrollment public charter schools, and private schools. "Ultra-processed food" is specifically defined as any food or beverage containing certain synthetic additives and food dyes, such as potassium bromate, propylparaben, titanium dioxide, and various colored dyes (Yellow 5 and 6, Blue 1 and 2, Green 3, Red 3 and 40). The legislation is motivated by concerns about childhood obesity and nutrition, with the General Assembly finding that industrially manufactured, nutrient-depleted foods with synthetic additives are harmful to students' health. The bill explicitly allows parents or guardians to still provide ultra-processed food to their own children during the school day, and it gives the Department of Education the authority to create rules for implementing these restrictions. The underlying goal is to promote more nutritious meals for students, emphasizing foods primarily made from nutrient-dense plant or animal products.

Education

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1962&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R