Indiana weighing ban on food dyes, other additives in school lunches
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That yellow better be au naturel. Illustration: Victoria Ellis/Axios
Indiana is joining the growing list of states considering a ban on certain food dyes and other chemicals commonly found in "ultraprocessed foods" from school lunches.
The big picture: Petroleum-based dyes have been linked to elevated risks of cancer and hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral issues for some children — making them a target of the Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his "Make America Healthy Again" initiative.
- West Virginia became the first state in the nation to ban the dyes from schools last year and at least four others have followed suit.
The fine print: House Bill 1137 would ban 13 different food additives, including food dyes, preservatives and other additives, from Indiana school lunches.
- The ban would apply to all food sold at the school during school hours, including vending machines.
- It wouldn't apply after school hours, so basketball game concession candy is safe.
- It also would require schools to post breakfast and lunch menus with ingredients on their websites.
Reality check: Not all scientists agree on the level of risk, and some experts warn phasing out dyes without robust evidence they are harmful could set a worrying precedent for food regulation that's not backed up by science.
What they're saying: Rep. Julie McGuire (R-Indianapolis) said her bill is about improving the health of children, increasing transparency and pushing food manufacturers to move away from these potentially harmful additives.
- The House Education Committee is expected to vote on the bill next week after McGuire works on slight tweaks to the language.
- Should it pass, it wouldn't take effect until the 2027-28 school year, something that the Indiana Association of School Principals said they appreciated when expressing the organization's support for the bill.
The other side: Several meat producers, including Indiana Pork, expressed concerns that the inclusion of preservatives like BHT in the list of banned ingredients could limit access to some high-protein foods.
- McGuire encouraged manufacturers to find a safer alternative.