INDIANA — Indiana could soon join a growing national movement to scrub chemical additives from school cafeterias. On Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, members of the House Education Committee heard testimony on House Bill 1137, a measure that would restrict several controversial food dyes and preservatives from student meals and vending machines.
Authored by Rep. Julie McGuire (R-Indianapolis), the bill is aimed at public schools participating in federally funded meal programs. If passed, the restrictions would take effect at the start of the 2027-28 school year, giving districts and food vendors nearly two years to reformulate menus.
Rather than creating a complex legal definition for “ultra-processed,” Rep. McGuire indicated she plans to amend the bill to focus on a specific list of 13 prohibited ingredients. Research has linked many of these additives to endocrine disruption, developmental issues, and increased cancer risks.
The prohibited list includes:
- Synthetic Food Dyes: Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3.
- Chemical Preservatives: BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene) and TBHQ (Tert-butylhydroquinone).
- Other Additives: Potassium bromate, Propylparaben, Titanium dioxide, and Azodicarbonamide (ADA).
Rep. McGuire framed the bill as “low-hanging fruit” in the fight against childhood chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes and obesity. She noted that roughly 65% of food currently served through the National School Lunch Program is considered ultra-processed.
However, the proposal has sparked a “Sausage Standoff” with some agricultural groups. Josh Trenary, Executive Director of the Indiana Pork Producers Association, testified in opposition to the bill in its current form. He argued that additives like BHT are used to keep nutrient-dense foods, like pork sausage, from turning rancid.
“There’s more to evaluating the value of a food product than just creating a static list of additives,” Trenary said, suggesting that shelf-life and nutrient availability should also be considered.
Key Provisions of HB 1137
- Transparency: Schools would be required to post breakfast and lunch menus online, accompanied by a full list of ingredients for every item.
- Vending & Third Parties: The ban applies to all food sold on campus during the school day, including items in vending machines and from third-party vendors.
- Carveouts: Concession stands at athletic events or fundraisers held at least 30 minutes after school ends would be exempt.
- Parental Choice: The bill does not restrict what parents can pack in a lunch brought from home.
The Indiana Department of Health and the Indiana Association of School Principals have signaled support for the measure. State health officials noted the bill aligns with Governor Mike Braun’s “Make Indiana Healthy Again” initiative, which prioritizes preventative health measures for the state’s youth.
As Indiana moves forward, it joins states like California and Pennsylvania in taking legislative action against food additives while federal agencies continue their own long-term studies on ultra-processed diets.
