An Act Prohibiting Harmful Food Dyes in Competitive School Foods

Creating Healthier Learning Environments for All Children

What This Bill Does
These bills (H.2496 / S.1531) would prohibit the sale or provision of certain artificially dyed foods and beverages—specifically “competitive foods” and unsweetened carbonated water—to students on public school grounds during the school day in Massachusetts.

In Massachusetts, competitive foods are defined as foods and beverages sold to students on campus during the school day that are not part of federally reimbursable school meal programs. This includes:

• Vending machine items
• À la carte offerings in the cafeteria (sold separately from complete meals)
• Items sold in school stores or snack bars
• Any other foods or drinks sold during school hours outside the standard school meal program