Arizona Department Of Education Superintendent Tom Horne | Arizona Dpt. of Education Official Website
HB 2164, a new law sponsored by State Representative Leo Biasiucci from Lake Havasu City, aims to improve the nutritional quality of food served in public schools. The law introduces restrictions on ingredients that scientific studies have identified as potentially harmful to children's health. This includes additives like potassium bromate, propylparaben, titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, and several synthetic dyes such as yellow dyes 5 and 6, blue dyes 1 and 2, red dyes 3 and 40, and green dye 3.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, referencing a past successful initiative, expressed strong support for the new law. "This is a familiar crusade for me. In 2006, I was successful in getting sugared sodas out of schools, and I am very enthusiastic that this legislation has become law," he stated. Horne emphasized the need for changes to eliminate "harmful foods from public schools and vending machines." He pointed out the association of synthetic food dyes with behavioral issues, which can hinder academic and social performance in children.
Horne further highlighted that manufacturers have adapted in the past to comply with health standards by removing trans fats and reducing sodium to meet USDA guidelines. He believes replacing foods containing harmful ingredients and synthetic dyes with healthier alternatives is feasible, noting, "This is already done in Europe. Manufacturers have worked over the past few years to remove trans-fat and reduce sodium to meet USDA requirements, so this change is both desirable and possible."
The passage of HB 2164 aligns with growing concerns about the health risks certain food ingredients pose to children, underscoring a continued effort to promote healthier food options in public schools.
Alerts Sign-up