An Arizona bill seeks to overhaul school lunches by removing ultra-processed foods. Introduced by Representative Leo Biasiucci, House Bill 2164, also known as the Arizona Healthy Schools Act, draws inspiration from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative.

The bill targets specific additives like potassium bromate, propylparaben, titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, and various artificial food colorings (yellow 5 and 6, blue 1 and 2, green 3, and red 3 and 40). The legislation argues that these ultra-processed foods contribute to childhood obesity and deprive students of essential nutrients. It advocates for school meals made primarily from minimally processed, whole food ingredients.

A "Cut the Chemicals" press conference, hosted by Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, took place at the Arizona Department of Education. Rep. Biasiucci, alongside health advocates, emphasized the bill’s importance. Biasiucci explained that his time in Italy last summer, where he observed the positive effects of a diet rich in seemingly indulgent but minimally processed foods, inspired the bill.

He noted the stark contrast between ingredient lists for similar products sold in the U.S. and Europe, prompting him to take action. Biasiucci acknowledged the MAHA movement's influence and the significant support for the bill. Healthcare reform advocate Calley Means highlighted the detrimental effects of food colorings, likening them to crude oil and pointing to their link to behavioral and neurological issues in children. Means emphasized the scale of the issue, referring to school lunches as the "largest fast food restaurant in America."

Statistics from the CDC and JAMA Pediatrics underscore the urgency of addressing childhood obesity and prediabetes. Diana Diaz-Harrison, Executive Director of Arizona Autism Charter Schools, expressed her concerns about the current state of school meals. Actor and comedian Rob Schneider, present at the press conference, advocated for community involvement in improving school lunches, suggesting collaboration between farmers' markets, chefs, schools, and parents.

The bill is now proceeding to the Arizona House of Representatives for a full vote.