SB 745
Relating to requirements for school nutrition programs
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to improve the nutritional quality of school meals in West Virginia by restricting the use of certain artificial food dyes and preservatives. It establishes a phased-in approach, initially prohibiting a list of dyes effective August 1, 2025, and expanding the list of prohibited additives and sugar limits effective August 1, 2027. The bill also requires schools to post menu ingredients online and establishes a minimum fiber-to-carbohydrate ratio for school meals.
Key provisions
- Prohibits the use of specific artificial food dyes (Red Dye No. 3, 4, 5, 6, Blue Dye No. 1 & 2, and Green Dye No. 3) in school nutrition programs, effective August 1, 2025.
- Prohibits the use of additional additives (Titanium dioxide, BHT, BHA, TBHQ, Sodium benzoate, Propyl gallate, Azodicarbonamide, Aloe vera, Propylparaben, Potassium bromate, Butylparaben, Acetaldehyde, Propylene oxide, Ethoxyquin, Acrolein, Aspartame, Sucralose, Acesulfame K, Diacetyl, Octyl gallate, Dodecyl gallate, Calcium bromate, and Calcium sorbate) in school nutrition programs, effective August 1, 2027.
- Limits added sugars to no more than five percent of daily calories in school nutrition programs, effective August 1, 2027.
- Requires a minimum ratio of one gram of fiber for every 10 grams of carbohydrates in school meals, effective August 1, 2027.
- Mandates that schools post breakfast and lunch menus with ingredient lists on their websites, effective August 1, 2027.
- Allows for the sale of non-compliant food items at school fundraising events, provided the sales occur off-premises or at least one-half hour after the end of the school day.
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