H2496
An Act prohibiting harmful food dyes in competitive school foods
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
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Bill overview
This bill aims to remove artificial food dyes from competitive foods sold in Massachusetts public schools. Competitive foods are snacks and beverages offered outside of the regular school lunch program. The bill seeks to protect students’ health by limiting the consumption of dyes linked to hyperactivity and other potential health concerns. It focuses specifically on foods sold in schools that compete with the school lunch program.
Key provisions
- Prohibits the sale or provision of foods containing artificial food dyes.
- Specifically targets competitive foods offered in schools.
- Aims to reduce potential health impacts associated with artificial dyes, particularly in children.
- The bill is intended to align with public health recommendations regarding food additives.
Who is affected
- Massachusetts public schools
- Students in Massachusetts public schools
- School food service providers
- Food manufacturers selling products in schools
Notable changes
- This bill introduces a restriction on the types of food available to students during non-lunch hours.
- It represents a shift towards prioritizing student health and well-being in school food environments.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joseph D. McKenna
Cosponsors
James B. Eldridge
James C. Arena-DeRosa
John J. Marsi
Joseph D. McKenna
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
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Bill H.2496 194th (Current)
An Act prohibiting harmful food dyes in competitive school foods
By Representative McKenna of Sutton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2496) of Joseph D. McKenna relative to the sale or provision of certain competitive foods at schools. Public Health.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Joseph D. McKenna
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.2496
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Public Health |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 8/29/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 09/10/2025 from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM in B-2 |
| 9/10/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 09/10/2025 from 10:00 AM-01:35 PM in B-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 3/16/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5234 |
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