Arizona Takes Bold Step: First State to Ban Ultra-Processed Foods in Schools

By Jonathan Eberle |

In a historic move, Arizona has emerged as the first state in the U.S. to prohibit ultra-processed foods in public schools. Governor Katie Hobbs recently signed HB 2164, known as the Arizona Healthy Schools Act, following significant bipartisan support in the legislature.

This law will take effect during the 2026–2027 school year, impacting all schools that engage in federally funded meal programs. Under its provisions, schools are barred from serving, selling, or permitting third-party vendors to offer ultra-processed foods throughout the school day.

Defined by the law, ultra-processed foods include any item containing specified additives, comprising ingredients like potassium bromate, titanium dioxide, and various synthetic dyes. The legislation responds to growing concerns about these components’ potential links to health issues, including allergic reactions and cancer risks.

Notably, the law does not restrict parents from providing their children with such foods. Nevertheless, schools must ensure that these additives are absent from lunches, vending machines, snack bars, and school stores during operational hours.

State Representative Leo Biasiucci (R-LD30), a key proponent of the bill, expressed his enthusiasm over social media, celebrating its passage as a significant achievement for school nutrition.

The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) is now responsible for enforcing the new regulations. This will include developing standardized forms for schools to confirm compliance and maintaining a publicly accessible list of these compliant institutions on the ADE website.

Currently, Arizona schools must comply with federal meal guidelines, which set limits on calories and unhealthy fats and require the inclusion of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The new law expands on these existing requirements by specifically addressing additives not covered by federal rules.

The Joint Legislative Budget Committee has indicated that the administrative changes necessitated by the law will be manageable and can be accommodated by current ADE staff. With the introduction of this legislation, Arizona positions itself as a potential national leader in advancing school nutritional policies that prioritize children’s health.

Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.