A Utah lawmaker's push for healthier foods in schools: Expanding the list of prohibited ingredients and addressing raw milk sales
SALT LAKE CITY — A year ago, the Utah Legislature took a step towards healthier school lunches by passing a law to restrict certain ingredients. Now, one lawmaker is building on that momentum with a new bill, HB350, which aims to further enhance the nutritional value of school meals.
This bill, introduced by Representative Kristen Chevrier, aligns with the Trump administration's Make America Healthy Again initiative, led by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. It proposes adding more ingredients that cannot be served in Utah schools and expanding the number of schools that must comply with these restrictions.
Chevrier's motivation stems from her personal experience with her daughters' food sensitivities and allergies, which have made her keenly aware of food ingredients. She believes in making healthier food options available to students.
HB350 focuses on removing titanium dioxide from school lunches, citing recent scientific evidence suggesting potential issues. Titanium dioxide is primarily used to make products appear white, such as skim milk, toothpaste, and gum.
Additionally, the bill excludes schools' food pantries from the list of prohibited ingredients, prioritizing access to any available food, even if it's not the healthiest option.
The bill's list of prohibited ingredients includes:
- Potassium bromate
- Propylparaben
- Titanium dioxide
- Blue No. 1
- Blue No. 2
- Green No. 3
- Red No. 3
- Red No. 40
- Yellow No. 5
- Yellow No. 6
It's important to note that parents can still provide their children with these ingredients at home, but the bill targets school-provided meals.
Chevrier also introduced another bill, HB442, which mandates clear labeling of chemicals in feminine hygiene products, addressing the presence of these chemicals in natural products and their sources.
Furthermore, she proposed HB179 to simplify the sale of raw milk in Utah, ensuring it is clearly labeled and accessible to consumers who prefer it, despite concerns about its safety. A recent case in New Mexico, however, highlights the potential risks, as a newborn baby died from a listeria infection linked to raw milk consumption by the mother during pregnancy.
These bills reflect Chevrier's commitment to making healthier food choices and addressing potential health risks, even as she navigates the complexities of food regulations and safety.
