Bill > SB117

This bill prohibits public and non-public schools participating in federally funded meal programs from serving or selling foods containing specific ultra-processed ingredients, starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The legislation identifies 15 specific ingredients that would be banned from school campuses during regular school days, including artificial food dyes (like Blue dye 1, Red dye 40, Yellow dye 5), preservatives (like propylparaben), and certain oils (such as cottonseed and grapeseed oil). The bill's rationale emphasizes addressing childhood obesity and ensuring nutritional meals, and requires the state Department of Education to maintain a website listing schools' compliance with these new nutritional standards. Schools are encouraged to start implementing these restrictions before the 2027-2028 school year, and the law specifically allows parents to still provide any food they choose for their children. Additionally, the bill recommends that schools purchase Louisiana-produced food when possible, subject to legislative appropriations. Charter schools are also explicitly required to comply with these new nutritional guidelines. The provisions do not apply to concession stands or vending machines, providing some flexibility in implementation.

Education

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=SB117&sbi=y