Texas and Louisiana Move to Ban Harmful Food Additives in School Meals
Texas and Louisiana are the latest U.S. states taking decisive steps to improve the nutritional quality of school meals. This week, both states passed legislation banning a series of controversial food additives from school cafeterias, following a growing national trend aimed at protecting children’s health.Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 314 (SB 314) into law, which prohibits the use of several food additives in free or reduced-price school meals. Among the banned ingredients are potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, yellow dye No. 5, and green dye No. 3—substances that have raised health concerns due to their links to hyperactivity, hormone disruption, and potential carcinogenic properties.
In Louisiana, Senate Bill 14 (SB 14) has passed both chambers and is now awaiting the signature of Governor Jeff Landry. If enacted, the bill will similarly ban the same group of food additives from both school breakfast and lunch programs across the state.
Growing National Attention on Additives in School Food
These legislative moves come as more states across the U.S. revisit their school meal guidelines to eliminate ingredients deemed harmful or unnecessary. States like Wisconsin and Minnesota have introduced similar bills targeting chemical additives commonly used in processed foods distributed through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently permits these additives, their use has been restricted or banned in several other countries. Critics argue that American children—especially those reliant on subsidized school meals—deserve better food safety standards.
Public Health and Nutrition Advocates Applaud the Move
Nutrition experts and advocacy groups have praised the decisions in Texas and Louisiana as important steps toward promoting healthier eating habits in schools. By removing artificial dyes and chemical enhancers, lawmakers aim to provide meals that better support student well-being and academic performance.The momentum follows recent research suggesting that some food dyes may impact children's behavior and cognitive development. As such, parents and educators have increasingly called for reforms that prioritize whole foods and clean ingredients in school kitchens.
A Healthier Future for School Meals
With states taking action independently, the push for cleaner school meals reflects a shift in public expectations around child nutrition and food safety. As more states consider similar legislation, it signals growing bipartisan support for ensuring all students—regardless of income—have access to safer, healthier meals during the school day.As Louisiana awaits final approval from Governor Landry, other states are expected to watch closely, potentially paving the way for a broader national reform of school nutrition standards in the years ahead.
