Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs (D) signed a bill banning ultra-processed foods in schools.
According to the bill, any school that “participates in a federally funded or assisted meal program shall not serve, sell, or allow a third party to sell ultraprocessed food on the school campus during the normal school day” beginning in the 2926-2027 school year.
Foods are considered “ultraprocessed” if they have potassium bromate, Propylparaben, titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, and food dyes, including red 3 and 40.
The bill further notes that the state legislature has found that “childhood obesity, morbidity and wellness are matters of statewide concern.”
“Ultraprocessed, industrially manufactured, nutrient-depleted food with synthetic additives is undernourishing minors at public schools and contributing to childhood obesity,” the legislation states. “Any taxpayer-funded meal or snack program offered to minors at public schools in this state should be nutritious and made primarily of whole, minimally processed plant or animal products.”
Rep. Leo Biasiucci, a Republican co-sponsor of the bill, wrote on X that “Republicans and Democrats are united in making sure our school children are eating foods without toxic dyes and chemicals!”
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said he was “very proud of these legislators and senators for standing up for the health of the people of Arizona.”
“And we need to take care of these little ones,” Kennedy added. “It is our obligation. It is the obligation of every member of this elected body. And let’s call them to task when they don’t do the obvious thing. This is easy. It’s a no-brainer.”
