Bill > HB580

This bill, known as the Alabama Healthy Schools Act, prohibits public K-12 schools participating in federally funded meal programs from serving, selling, or allowing the sale of ultra-processed foods on school campuses during the normal school day, starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill defines ultra-processed foods as those containing specific ingredients like certain food dyes (Yellow Dye 5, Red Dye 40), chemical additives (Potassium Bromate, Propylparaben), and other substances like Titanium Dioxide and Brominated Vegetable Oil. Parents and guardians are still permitted to provide ultra-processed foods to their children during the school day. The State Department of Education is required to create and publish a standardized certification form for schools to demonstrate compliance and maintain a public list of schools that have certified their adherence to these restrictions. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, giving schools time to prepare for the new food service guidelines.