House passes bill to remove certain red food dyes from school lunches; sponsor cites child hyperactivity research

The Tennessee House passed legislation on April 8 aimed at removing red dye 40 from items served through the state school nutrition program.

Representative Davis, sponsor of House Bill 134, told the chamber the measure responds to research about synthetic food dyes and child behavior and noted regulatory action by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and action elsewhere. "Red dye 3 has been banned from use in topical drugs and cosmetics since 1990. And on January fifteenth of 2025, under the Biden administration, the FDA banned the use of red dye 3 in food and ingested drugs," Davis said on the floor. She described the dyes as petroleum-based additives with no nutritional value and said alternatives exist.

Supporters emphasized health and behavioral concerns. Representative Lynn described using a low-additive diet with her child diagnosed with ADHD and said the approach prevented medication for her son. Representative Hardaway praised the bipartisan nature of the bill and asked whether the prohibition would extend to off-campus activities; Davis replied the bill applies only to the school nutrition program and does not cover concessions or vending machines.

The House adopted a committee amendment and later passed the bill. The clerk recorded 88 votes in favor and 5 opposed when the final tally was taken.

The bill focuses on the school nutrition program's menu offerings; it does not ban dyes in all foods sold at or off campus and allows medical waivers where appropriate. Sponsors said the change aims to reduce dietary contributors to hyperactivity and related outcomes among students.