This bill aims to enhance the nutritional quality of meals provided in public schools by prohibiting the use of specific color additives in school breakfast and lunch programs. The newly inserted legal language in RSA 189:11-a establishes that no public elementary or secondary school shall offer any food containing FD&C red number 3, FD&C citrus red number 2, or FD&C orange letter B. Additionally, the bill encourages schools to avoid other color additives, including FD&C blue number 1, blue number 2, green number 3, red number 40, yellow number 5, and yellow number 6, and to collaborate with vendors to phase out these additives where feasible.

The bill also includes a provision that exempts foods offered outside of the school breakfast and lunch programs from these prohibitions and recommendations, allowing for flexibility in food options such as those brought by students or sold through vending machines. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2028, and while the fiscal impact on local expenditures is indeterminable, it is noted that any costs associated with compliance will vary by school district.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 189:11-a
As Amended by the House: 189:11-a
Version adopted by both bodies: 189:11-a
SB577 text: 189:11-a