Richmond, VA — Delegate Hillary Kent has introduced a new bill aimed at improving the nutritional standards for school meals in Virginia. House Bill 1910, the Virginia Clean Food Act, seeks to amend nutritional requirements in public elementary and secondary schools to remove artificial food dyes from the school menu.
“As a mom, we are constantly looking at ways to ensure our children are receiving the very best, including what food they eat. After conversations with pediatricians, teachers and numerous parents we agree that removing dyes and color additives from our children’s meals, especially during educational instructional time, is not only important, it is necessary. It is my hope that this bipartisan legislation can support our parents and teachers and most importantly our children.”
Artificial dyes have been linked to potential health risks and other negative effects on children’s health, particularly the color additives listed in HB 1910 – Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. By removing these dyes from school meals and competitive foods, Delegate Kent’s bill aims to ensure that students are consuming healthier and safer food options that align with modern nutritional standards. Kent added, “these food dyes have no health benefit and only exist to entice children to reach for a splash of color instead of a wholesome choice.”
Under the proposed legislation, the Virginia Board of Education will be directed to amend its nutritional guidelines for competitive foods. This will further enforce a state-wide commitment to improving the health and well-being of students across Virginia.
