S.B. No. 314 is a legislative bill aimed at prohibiting certain food additives in free or reduced-price meals provided by school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in Texas. The bill introduces a new section, 33.9011, to the Education Code, which specifies that these institutions cannot serve meals containing specific substances, including brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, various artificial colors, and other additives deemed harmful. The bill also clarifies that schools receiving a waiver under Section 7.056 will not be in violation of this prohibition.

The provisions of this bill will take effect starting with the 2026-2027 school year, applying only to contracts for food services entered into or renewed on or after September 1, 2026. The bill is designed to enhance the nutritional quality of meals provided to students, ensuring that they do not contain potentially harmful additives. If the bill receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses, it will take effect immediately; otherwise, it will become effective on September 1, 2025.

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