Senate votes to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes from school meals

The Tennessee Senate passed Senate Bill 24-23 on Feb. 24, a measure that prohibits specified petroleum-based synthetic dyes in foods and beverages served through school nutrition programs after an implementation period designed to allow existing contracts to expire.

Sponsor Senator Andy Crow described the measure as a targeted public-health step that aligns Tennessee with recent federal guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services. "The FDA is changing their regulations now to allow labels that claim 'no artificial colors' as long as you don't have petroleum-based dyes," Crow said on the floor and argued the bill gives schools time to switch vendors and adopt naturally derived alternatives.

The education committee amendment adds a list of dyes (including Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3 and Red 3) to an existing prohibition for Red 40 in school nutrition programs and grandfathers contracts entered before the effective date. Supporters emphasized children's health and existing vendor readiness among major food companies; one senator said the change was "the right thing to do."

Opponents cautioned about transitional costs and procurement challenges for some districts. Senator Campbell said she supported the policy but warned of interim affordability problems and asked that lead time be generous so districts could adapt.

After debate the Senate passed the bill by a recorded vote of 27-3. Sponsors and supporters said the grandfathering language and contract timeline provide schools time to adapt; supporters framed the bill as preparing Tennessee for an expected national phaseout of specified petroleum-based dyes.