Committee advances bill to bar petroleum-based food dyes from school nutrition programs

Senator Crow presented legislation aimed at removing seven petroleum‑based synthetic food dyes from foods provided through school nutrition programs and the committee approved an amendment and advanced the bill to the calendar.

Crow said the measure is intended to align Tennessee with an anticipated federal phase-out by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration, and to give school districts time to adjust vendor contracts. "This bill just makes sure that Tennessee is proactive and able to be on top of it when the official national ban comes sometime in 'twenty 7," he said. The amendment that the committee adopted limits the rule to foods provided through school nutrition programs and applies the ban to contracts entered, renewed or amended on or after Aug. 1, 2027, to avoid immediate disruption of existing vendor agreements.

Supporters cited health concerns for children and told the committee they had worked with local nutrition directors while drafting the measure. A nutrition director from Carter County wrote to the sponsor that "having some lead time before it goes into effect will be critical for us." Opponents noted business concerns and sought more time for testimony; the sponsor said many large manufacturers were already moving toward natural alternatives. The committee adopted Amendment 2 and then voted to move the bill to the calendar (8 ayes, 1 present not voting). The bill will next appear on the calendar for further consideration.