Arizona Schools To Ban Ultra-Processed Foods: Here’s What Your Kids Could Stop Eating Soon

The Arizona State House recently passed a bill that would ban certain ultra-processed foods from being served in public schools participating in federally funded or assisted meal programs. 

The Arizona Healthy Schools Act (House Bill 2164), introduced by Rep. Leo Biasiucci and passed on Monday, aims to improve the nutritional value of meals provided to students by banning the serving, sale, or distribution of specific processed foods in school settings.

The bill seeks to prevent Arizona public schools from serving foods containing synthetic additives, artificial sweeteners, and other ultra-processed ingredients that contribute to poor nutrition.

These include potassium bromate, titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, propylparaben, and synthetic food dyes such as Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3. These additives are often linked to various health problems, including cancer, behavioral issues in kids, and heart and liver problems.

"Our kids deserve better than artificial dyes and cheap fillers in their meals," Rep. Biasiucci said in a statement.

"Parents should know that when their children eat at school, they are getting real, nutritious food—not the kind of processed junk that’s banned in other countries."

The bill was inspired by Rep. Biasiucci’s observation during a trip to Europe, where he noticed that foods lacked many of the synthetic additives commonly used in the United States, Fox10 Phoenix reported. Biasiucci aims to bring similar food safety standards to Arizona schools to promote healthier eating habits among students.

"We now have overwhelming evidence that these chemicals can contribute to everything from hyperactivity to increased cancer risk—yet they remain in school meals. We hope to end that today," the House member added.

Supporters of the bill, including Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, emphasize the potential health benefits for children. Horne noted that European countries already enforce stricter regulations on food additives, which could make it easier for manufacturers to adjust products for Arizona’s new standards if the bill becomes law.

However, the legislation also raises concerns about implementation challenges, including the cost and logistics of sourcing compliant foods. Critics argue that while promoting healthier school meals is a positive goal, schools may struggle to comply without additional funding and resources to facilitate the transition.

The bill will now proceed to the Arizona State Senate for further consideration. If passed, the new rules would take effect during the 2026-2027 school year, Fox News noted.

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