HB642: HB642 Georgia Dye Free School Meals Act; enact

This bill, called the Georgia Dye Free School Meals Act, would add a new section to Georgia's student health laws (O.C.G.A. Title 20). It defines seven synthetic dyes, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, and bans public primary and secondary schools from serving or selling food or drinks containing any of them on school grounds during the regular school day or through breakfast programs. The ban also applies to third parties, such as vendors, who serve or sell food on campus. The bill states legislative findings that synthetic dyes have been linked to hyperactivity, inattention, and other behavioral effects in some children that can interfere with learning. Parents and guardians could still bring dyed food or drinks for their own child or for a school or classroom event. The Department of Education would create a standard form schools use to certify compliance and would publish a list of certified schools on its website. The rule would start with the 2026-2027 school year.

• Bans public primary and secondary schools from serving or selling food or beverages containing any of seven listed synthetic dyes starting in the 2026-2027 school year.
• Extends the ban to third parties, meaning outside vendors or companies cannot sell dyed food or drinks on school grounds during the school day or breakfast program.
• Allows parents or guardians to bring dyed food or drinks for their own child or for a school or classroom event, exempting personal and event use.
• Directs the Department of Education to create a standardized compliance certification form for schools.
• Requires the Department of Education to keep and publicly post online a list of schools that have certified compliance.

Public elementary and secondary schools and their food service staff, students who eat school meals, parents and guardians, outside food vendors or third parties who sell food on campus, and the Georgia Department of Education, which must create the certification form and maintain the public compliance list.

If enacted, cafeteria food and vended snacks in Georgia public schools would need to be reformulated or swapped for dye-free versions by the 2026-2027 school year, changing what food service programs and campus vendors can offer during the school day and breakfast programs.

• Section 1 names the bill the 'Georgia Dye Free School Meals Act.'
• Section 2 states legislative findings that synthetic dyes may contribute to hyperactivity and behavioral issues affecting children's learning.
• Section 3 adds new Code section 20-2-779.5, defining 'synthetic dye' to include Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6.
• Section 3(b) bans schools and third parties from serving or selling food or beverages with these dyes on school grounds during the school day or breakfast program, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.
• Section 3(c) exempts food or drinks brought by a parent or guardian for their own child or for a school or classroom event.
• Section 3(d) requires the Department of Education to create a certification form and publish a list of compliant schools online.
• Section 4 repeals conflicting laws.

1. 2025-02-28House Second Readers (House)
2. 2025-02-27House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-26House Hopper (House)

• Marvin Lim (D, HD-098)Primary sponsor
• Kasey Carpenter (R, HD-004)
• Michelle Au (D, HD-050)

• school meals
• food dyes
• public schools
• child health
• food safety