Bipartisan Michigan Bill Would Ban Green 3, Blue 1 and 2, Yellow 6, Red 40 and Other Additives From School Food

The proposal would prohibit schools from providing, selling or otherwise making available foods that contain brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, titanium dioxide and five widely used synthetic dyes beginning July 1, 2026.

Under the bill, the restrictions would apply to public and non‑public schools alike. Vending machines, cafeterias, fund‑raisers and concession stands would all have to comply, eliminating products that list Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2 or Yellow 6 on the label. The measure amends the state’s Food Law to create a new section focused on school food safety. Sponsors — Representatives Brad Paquette (R), Jimmie Wilson Jr. (D), Josh Schriver (R), Joseph Fox (R), Gina Johnsen (R), Rachelle Smit (R), Matt Maddock (R), Gregory Markkanen (R), Tom Kunse (R) and Jaime Greene (R) — say the additives targeted in the bill have been linked to potential health risks and do not belong in cafeterias where children eat every day. If enacted, manufacturers and distributors would have more than a year to reformulate or replace non‑compliant products before the ban takes effect at the start of the 2026‑27 academic year.

Michigan would join a growing number of states scrutinizing ingredient lists more closely, adding momentum to nationwide calls for cleaner school menus. HB 4369 now awaits its first hearing in the Education and Workforce Committee.