Certain dyes and additives are now banned in schools. Here's what it means for your kids

SALT LAKE CITY — The elementary school snack list looks a little different this year! A new law requires Utah schools to remove certain synthetic dyes and additives from food served during the school day.

Teachers are a little hyper about it, parents are curious about it, so we asked Health Contributor Miki Eberhardt to give us her take on House Bill 402.

"This bill removes two additives and all the food dyes from what is being served at school breakfast and lunch," she explained.

While the goal is to get rid of certain synthetic ingredients, Eberhardt said the bigger conversation goes beyond food coloring and into the overall quality of nutrition in our schools.

Now banned in Utah Schools

• Potassium bromate
• Propylparaben
• FD&C Blue No. 1
• FD&C Blue No. 2
• FD&C Green No. 3
• FD&C Red No. 3
• FD&C Red No. 40
• FD&C Yellow No. 5
• FD&C Yellow No. 6

Eberhardt explained that potassium bromate is commonly used in commercial baking as a gluten strengthener, while propylparaben is an antifungal and preservative.

"Those two are banned in Europe. They're banned in California. It's probably smart, time to get rid of them," she said.

School Lunches May Not Change as Much as You Think

Eberhardt said many school meal programs already closely meet the new requirements.

"For those meals particularly, I don't think it will change a lot," she said. " A Granite School District spokesperson said, 'We had to remove Doritos from a lunch, but other than that, our meals are pretty already in line.'"

Eberhardt said the bigger impact could show up outside the cafeteria.

"I think the difference comes from the classroom stuff itself  with what's happening with the kids and parties and snacks and things that happen in the classroom," she explained.

Eberhardt emphasized that the law only applies to food specifically served by schools.

"If you're taking home lunch, you can send whatever you want," she said. "That is totally fine."

The new rules do come with exceptions. It doesn't apply to school events and vending machine sales. There is also an exception with classroom treats provided by teachers.

"Teachers can provide those things still if everybody signs a waiver," Eberhardt said.

She did note that many teachers may decide the paperwork just isn't worth it. Many classrooms may choose to follow the new standards regardless.

Snacks That Still Work

Eberhardt said that parents don't have to reinvent classroom snacks completely. There are lots of options that already fit the new guidelines.

"They're gonna be colored with natural fruit or vegetable juice rather than colors," she explained.

Even some popular snacks still make the cut. Even though they're still a processed product they don't have the food dyes. She also recommended leaning toward less refined, more whole food-based options whenever possible.

Is This Enough to Improve Kids' Nutrition?

Eberhardt supports removing artificial dyes and additives, but she doesn't see the law as a complete solution.

"My hot take is this feels to me like a Band-Aid on something that needs surgery and stitches," she said. "The bigger issue… we gotta do a lot better with what that school system nutrition provides from the top down."

Removing these ingredients is a good step, but it's only one part of a bigger effort to improve children's nutrition.

Find more advice from Miki Eberhardt on Instagram, @nutritionbymiki.