School Lunches Are Filled With Chemicals & Additives—Arizona Wants To Change That

Arizona has joined a growing movement to clean up school lunches by introducing a bill to ban ultra-processed foods containing harmful additives. If passed, the legislation would prevent public schools from serving or selling products with 11 controversial ingredients, including Red Dye No. 40, titanium dioxide, potassium bromate, and several other synthetic food dyes. 

Ultra-processed foods are industrial products far removed from their natural state, often loaded with synthetic additives, preservatives, and stabilizers. They dominate the modern diet, contributing nearly 58% of the calories consumed by Americans and 90% of added sugar intake, according to research in The BMJ.

Their impact on health is profound. A study published in Cell Metabolism1 found that participants on an ultra-processed diet consumed 500 more calories per day and gained two pounds in just two weeks, while those eating unprocessed foods lost weight.

Even when controlling for sugar, sodium, and fat content, research has linked these foods to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, and chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes.

One of the most common food dyes in the U.S., Red Dye No. 40 is a petroleum-derived chemical used to enhance color in processed foods. Studies have linked synthetic dyes, including Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, to behavioral issues in children, particularly those with ADHD.

A landmark study in The Lancet2 found that a combination of synthetic dyes and preservatives heightened hyperactivity in children across the general population, not just those diagnosed with ADHD. Europe now requires warning labels on foods containing these dyes, yet they remain prevalent in U.S. school snacks.

Potassium bromate, a common additive in bread and baked goods, has been flagged as a potential human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Its use has been banned in several countries, but it remains legal in the U.S., where it’s primarily used to enhance dough strength and elasticity.

Titanium dioxide, often found in candies and chewing gum, has been used as a whitening agent. However, emerging studies suggest it may cause inflammation and DNA damage, prompting bans in places like the European Union.

The prevalence of childhood obesity has tripled in the past few decades, with over 14 million children in the U.S. classified as obese3. This number is projected to double by 2035 to 208 million boys and 175 million girls, over a 100% increase from 2020.

Ultra-processed foods are a significant contributor to this crisis, often packed with empty calories that spike blood sugar levels and disrupt metabolic processes.

It's important to recognize that school meals, even as they stand today, play a crucial role in supporting children's health. Programs like the National School Lunch Program have made significant progress in improving the nutritional quality of meals served to students.

Research has shown that access to school meals improves children’s focus, behavior, and academic performance. Additionally, these programs provide essential nutrition to children from food-insecure households who might otherwise go without a balanced meal during the day.

Arizona’s proposal mirrors California's recent bans on food dyes and harmful additives, set to take effect in 2027 and 2028. Iowa is also pushing for similar reforms. The momentum reflects growing state-level efforts to address the gaps left by federal agencies in regulating food safety.

Arizona's move, alongside efforts in California and Iowa, underscores a positive shift in how states prioritize children’s health. These proactive measures not only protect young minds and bodies but also push the conversation forward on food safety at a national level.