PHOENIX — Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed a new law Monday aimed at eliminating harmful junk food from school cafeterias across the state. House Bill 2164, which received bipartisan support, bans the sale of food and drinks containing certain synthetic additives during the regular school day.
The bill targets a list of controversial ingredients often found in processed snacks and beverages, including potassium bromate, propylparaben, titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, and various synthetic food dyes such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1.
“Kids deserve access to healthy meals that support their learning and development—not ingredients that put their health at risk,” said Gov. Hobbs in a statement following the bill’s signing.
The law’s passage follows a visit last week by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who promoted the legislation while in Phoenix. Kennedy has been a vocal advocate for stricter food safety regulations and praised Arizona’s efforts as a potential national model.
Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne also backed the measure, noting the link between synthetic food dyes and behavioral issues in children.
“Eliminating these chemicals from school food isn’t just about physical health—it’s about helping students stay focused and succeed in the classroom,” Horne said.
The law will apply to all public schools across Arizona and goes into effect ahead of the upcoming school year. School districts are expected to work with nutrition experts and vendors to adjust their menus accordingly.
