With the passage of the Healthy Schools Act (HB2164), Arizona has made a groundbreaking move that places student health at the forefront of state policy. In a unanimous decision, the state legislature voted to ban ultraprocessed food additives like Red 40, potassium bromate, and titanium dioxide—chemicals linked to hyperactivity, endocrine disruption, and even cancer. Despite being banned in other countries for years, these additives are still widely found in American school lunches.
This bold step is more than just a new law—it’s a revolution in food policy that prioritizes public health over industry profits. For too long, ultraprocessed foods have dominated school meals, contributing to rising rates of childhood obesity, behavioral issues, and chronic diseases. By setting stricter standards, Arizona is leading the way in ensuring that taxpayer-funded school meals nourish rather than harm.
What is the Healthy Schools Act (HB2164)?
The Healthy Schools Act (HB2164), passed unanimously by the Arizona House in early 2025, is a trailblazing policy designed to transform school nutrition by eliminating ultraprocessed food additives. Starting in the 2026–2027 school year, Arizona schools participating in federally funded meal programs, including the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, cannot serve or sell foods containing certain harmful additives on campus during the school day.
Key Provisions of HB2164
- Ban on Ultraprocessed Foods: The law prohibits the use of ultraprocessed foods containing specific harmful additives in school meals, snacks, and beverages. This includes foods provided through vending machines or third-party vendors on school campuses.
- Parental Provision Exception: Parents are still allowed to send any food of their choice with their child. While schools can’t provide the banned items, a student’s packed lunch from home may still contain them, preserving parental freedom.
- Compliance and Transparency Measures: Schools must certify compliance with the ban, and the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) will publish a public list of schools that meet the new standards. This ensures transparency and accountability, encouraging all schools to comply.
Why Is This Law Needed?
A Response to Health Concerns
Arizona lawmakers introduced HB2164 in response to growing concerns about the negative health impacts of ultraprocessed food additives. Scientific research has linked these additives to a range of health problems, including:
- Hyperactivity and Behavioral Issues: Artificial food dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 have been linked to hyperactivity and attention disorders in children. Studies suggest that these dyes can contribute to behavioral spikes, especially in children with ADHD or sensitivities.
- Endocrine Disruption and Hormonal Imbalances: Preservatives like Propylparaben interfere with hormone function, impacting growth and development.
- Cancer and Chronic Diseases: Additives such as Potassium bromate and Titanium dioxide have been identified as potential carcinogens in animal studies.
By banning these additives, the Healthy Schools Act aims to protect children’s health and ensure that taxpayer-funded school meals are made primarily of whole, minimally processed ingredients.
Aligning with International Standards
Many of the banned additives are already prohibited in Europe and other countries, highlighting a significant gap in food safety regulations between the U.S. and the rest of the world. For example, the European Union (EU) has long banned several of these substances in food products, citing safety concerns. Arizona’s law not only raises the state’s food safety standards but also brings them closer to international norms.
Putting Health Before Profits
For decades, the American food system has prioritized industry profits over public health. Highly processed, nutrient-poor foods have dominated school meals, SNAP benefits, and even hospital trays, contributing to the nation’s chronic disease epidemic. In the U.S., chronic diseases linked to poor nutrition cost $3.8 trillion each year.
HB2164 challenges this status quo by ensuring that public dollars are spent on nourishing, wholesome food instead of chemical-laden products. Arizona is making a bold statement: Public funds should nourish, not harm.
Which Additives are Banned?
The law targets 11 specific food additives known for their potential health risks. Any product containing one or more of these ingredients is considered “ultraprocessed” and is therefore banned in schools. The prohibited additives are:
- Potassium bromate – A dough strengthening agent linked to cancer.
- Propylparaben – A synthetic preservative affecting hormone function.
- Titanium dioxide – A whitening/coloring agent associated with immune disruption.
- Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) – An emulsifier linked to neurological issues.
- Yellow Dye #5 (Tartrazine) – Artificial color linked to hyperactivity.
- Yellow Dye #6 (Sunset Yellow) – Artificial color linked to behavioral issues.
- Blue Dye #1 – Artificial color associated with allergies.
- Blue Dye #2 – Artificial color linked to behavioral changes.
- Green Dye #3 – Artificial color associated with hyperactivity.
- Red Dye #3 – Artificial color linked to cancer in animal studies.
- Red Dye #40 – Artificial color linked to hyperactivity and behavioral issues.
Why These Additives?
Many of these chemicals are synthetic food dyes and preservatives that have been the subject of safety debates for decades. Europe and other countries have already banned these substances due to health concerns, including hyperactivity, cancer risks, and endocrine disruption. Arizona’s HB2164 follows these trends, setting a new standard for food safety in American schools.
Impact on Arizona Schools
School Meal Programs
Schools will need to review menus, ingredient lists, and supplier contracts to eliminate the banned additives. This includes foods served in the cafeteria, vending machines, and even school fundraisers. Many highly processed snacks—like colorful candies, flavored drinks, and certain packaged pastries—will be replaced with whole foods and minimally processed alternatives.
To ease the transition, the law gives schools until the 2026–2027 school year to fully comply. Schools can work with suppliers to find compliant replacements or opt for scratch-cooking and fresher ingredients. The focus is on providing tasty, appealing foods without the controversial chemicals.
Procurement Policy Adjustments
Schools will need to update purchasing guidelines to ensure compliance. This includes working closely with food distributors and manufacturers to source healthier, additive-free products. Federal grants and cooperative purchasing strategies can help offset potential cost increases.
Student Health and Learning Outcomes
By removing artificial dyes and preservatives, schools can reduce behavioral spikes linked to hyperactivity or attention issues. This is expected to improve focus, concentration, and overall classroom behavior. Additionally, offering cleaner, more wholesome foods can help combat childhood obesity and promote lifelong healthy eating habits.
Broader Implications for U.S. Food Policy Reform
Arizona’s Healthy Schools Act is part of a growing national movement to reevaluate food additives and ultraprocessed foods in American diets. California recently passed a similar law, and several other states are considering comparable measures.
This trend reflects a shift in food policy, prioritizing children’s health over industry profits. By setting stricter standards in school meals, Arizona challenges the federal government to reassess outdated nutrition guidelines. If successful, this state-led initiative could inspire nationwide reforms, pushing the U.S. to align more closely with international food safety norms.
Who’s Next?
Arizona’s bold step is just the beginning. As more states consider similar legislation, the question is: Who’s next? Will other states rise to the challenge and prioritize student health?
The time for change is now. By banning ultraprocessed foods and harmful additives, Arizona is leading the way in creating a healthier future for its children. This is real food policy reform—and it’s about time.
Who will follow Arizona’s lead?
References
- Arizona Legislature. Healthy Schools Act (HB2164) Bill Text and Summary. Available at: https://www.azleg.gov. Accessed February 2025.
- FOX 10 Phoenix. Arizona State House passes bill that bans certain ultraprocessed food from schools. Available at: https://www.fox10phoenix.com. Accessed February 2025.
- Gila Valley Central. House Passes the Arizona Healthy Schools Act to Eliminate Harmful Additives from School Meals. Available at: https://www.gilavalleycentral.net. Accessed February 2025.
- Arizona Globe. Biasiucci Leads MAHA Supporters to Ensure Passage of HB2164. Available at: https://www.azglobe.com. Accessed February 2025.
- Food Processing Magazine. Arizona Bill Would Ban Ultraprocessed Foods in Public Schools. Available at: https://www.foodprocessing.com. Accessed February 2025.
- Hoodline News. Arizona House Votes to Eliminate Questionable Additives from School Meals with HB2164. Available at: https://www.hoodline.com. Accessed February 2025.
- FOX 10 Phoenix (AP News Reference). California’s additive ban and FDA actions. Available at: https://www.fox10phoenix.com. Accessed February 2025.