News Summary
Louisiana has passed Senate Bill 14, a new law aimed at enhancing school nutrition and food business practices. This legislation prohibits harmful food additives, mandates local sourcing, and implements new labeling requirements. Part of the national “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, the bill has received bipartisan support and will take effect over the coming years. The law reflects a growing focus on improving public health through better nutritional standards among educational institutions and food businesses.
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana — Louisiana lawmakers have successfully passed Senate Bill 14 (SB14), a comprehensive set of nutrition reforms targeting the state’s schools and food businesses. The new legislation, part of the national “Make America Healthy Again” initiative led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., is designed to improve the quality of food served in educational institutions and facilitate healthier eating habits among students.
The bill received unanimous support from both chambers of the legislature and is now pending signature from Governor Jeff Landry, who has publicly endorsed the initiatives outlined in SB14. With the completion of the legislative process, Louisiana aligns itself with several other states such as West Virginia, Utah, Texas, Idaho, and Michigan, which have implemented similar nutritional laws.
Key Provisions of the Legislation
One of the most significant aspects of SB14 is the prohibition of certain artificial colors and preservatives in food served by Louisiana schools, effective in the 2027-2028 school year. Specific food dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1, along with the preservatives BHA and BHT, will no longer be allowed.
Schools will also be required to prioritize local produce, mandating that at least 20% of their food supply must be sourced from farms located within Louisiana. However, it’s important to note that the ban on specified ingredients does not extend to snacks provided after school hours or items sold at concession stands.
Labeling and Menu Requirements
The bill also introduces new labeling regulations for food businesses. Establishments that sell products containing specific artificial ingredients must implement QR codes on their packaging. These codes will direct consumers to detailed information regarding potential health risks associated with these additives. Additionally, if food venues offer items cooked with seed oils, they are mandated to include visible disclaimers on their menus.
Nutrition Training for Healthcare Providers
Another critical element of SB14 focuses on healthcare providers. Starting January 1, 2026, physicians and physician assistants are required to complete at least one hour of nutrition training biennially. This initiative aims to enhance the medical community’s understanding and advocacy for nutritional health among patients.
Implementation Timeline and Future Steps
While several aspects of the legislation are set to take effect in the coming years, certain components of the bill have extended timelines. For example, the implementation of QR code requirements will commence on January 1, 2028, and the new school meal standards will not come into effect until the 2028-2029 school year.
Background Context
Initially, SB14 included a provision to remove soft drinks from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits; however, this measure was excluded during legislative discussions. In a separate directive, Governor Landry has already ordered the exclusion of soda and candy from SNAP benefits. Legislative debates over SB14 highlighted varying motivations behind support for the bill, including personal health experiences from lawmakers.
Concerns were voiced by some legislators who argued that the bill’s focus on particular additives might limit broader dietary quality and health improvements across the state. Nevertheless, the legislation’s moves towards enhancing the nutritional standards in schools and food establishments mark a significant step in addressing public health issues related to nutrition.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NOLA: Louisiana Nutrition Reform Bill Passes
- Axios: Louisiana Ultra-Processed Food Ban
- Shreveport Times: Louisiana Passes SB14
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nutrition Reform
- WWLTV: Louisiana Lawmakers Pass Nutrition Reforms
- Google Search: Louisiana Nutrition Law
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
