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Committee advances proposal to remove Red Dye 40 from school nutrition programs
Summary
Representative Davis' bill to restrict the use of Red Dye 40 (Red Dye) in school nutrition programs passed the House Education Committee and was reported to the Calendar and Rules committee after a 14–4 vote.
House Bill 134, carried by Representative Davis, advanced from the House Education Committee after members adopted a subcommittee rewrite and voted to send the bill to Calendar and Rules. The recorded vote was 14 ayes and 4 nays.
Davis described the bill as a targeted measure to remove the artificial food color commonly labeled Red Dye 40 from school nutrition programs only, not from concession stands or fundraising events. He cited peer-reviewed studies and letters from researchers and clinicians that, he said, support a link between synthetic food dyes and neurobehavioral effects in some children. Davis said the Department of Education reviewed its vendor list and found acceptable alternatives for school meal programs.
Members asked for clarification that the bill applies only to the school nutrition program and not to other school-sponsored food sales; Davis confirmed the language limits the measure to school nutrition. Representative Johnson and others raised questions about the strength of the human evidence and the need for additional studies; Davis pointed to systematic reviews and public-health assessments he had received.
The committee adopted the subcommittee rewrite (5495) and then voted to advance the bill to Calendar and Rules. No appropriation was attached; the sponsor said vendor alternatives are available and that several states are pursuing similar measures.
Next steps: Calendar and Rules will set the bill for floor consideration; no fiscal note or effective date was finalized in committee.
