How MAHA is influencing Louisiana legislation
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Louisiana lawmakers are considering a ban on fluoridated community water, increasing access to ivermectin and restricting schoolchildren's access to "ultra-processed" foods.
The latest: The House of Representatives' education committee takes up Sen. Blake Miguez's "ultra-processed" food ban for discussion Wednesday morning.
- Other bills, including one that would expand access to ivermectin and another to remove fluoride from water systems, await discussion in the House committee on health and welfare.
- All three have already passed out of the state Senate.
The big picture: The trio of measures are reflective of talking points amplified by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his initiative to "Make America Healthy Again."
Here's a closer look at each:
Fluoride in the water system
Dental and public health experts have long argued in favor of community fluoridation, wherein fluoride is added to public water supplies to help prevent tooth decay.
Yes, but: Fluoridation has long been controversial among detractors who view it as a form of government making a personal health choice.
- Louisiana isn't alone in considering its removal. Utah and Florida recently moved to ban the practice, and lawmakers in several other states are also pushing fluoridation bans, per ADA News.
By the numbers: Nearly 63% of the U.S. population was served by fluoridated community water systems as of 2022, per the latest CDC estimates.
- In Louisiana, 33.9% of the state's population has access to fluoridated water through its municipal system.
"Ultra-processed" food in schools
Zoom in: A bill to ban "ultra-processed" foods in schools defines the term as those with ingredients from among a list primarily comprised of food dyes and seed oils.
- The ingredients are targets of RFK Jr. and some health food influencers. Go deeper.
Catch up quick: Earlier this month, Gov. Jeff Landry signaled his approval by signing an executive order effectively asking the federal government to allow the state to exclude SNAP benefit coverage for candy and soda.
Over-the-counter ivermectin
Flashback: Ivermectin, which is a drug intended to treat parasitic infections, primarily in animals, became a favorite COVID-19 cure among some health influencers during the height of the pandemic.
- Studies showed it was ineffective against the illness, however, and federal and state health officials have urged people not to use the drug to treat COVID-19.
If passed, the Louisiana bill would allow pharmacists to provide ivermectin to adults over the counter.