Iowa Ban on Food Additives in Schools Advances Past Committee

Iowa Capitol Sunset

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(Des Moines, IA) -- Legislation that would ban certain additives from foods in Iowa schools is headed to the Iowa House of Representatives floor. Its education committee passed House Study Bill 5 on Wednesday.

Rep. Jeff Shipley (R-Fairfield) chaired the subcommittee on the bill.

"The impact of diet on cognitive function can not be overstated," Shipley says. "Synthetic dyes have been shown to potentially exacerbate hyper activity and attention issues in children. By removing these from school meals, we are directly contributing to a classroom environment where students can better focus, learn and interact positively with peers."

The bill specifically mentions red dye 40, yellow dye 7 and margarine to be removed from school breakfasts and lunches. But some opponents think margarine doesn't need to be on that list. Rep. Heather Matson (D-Ankeny) is one of them.

"Evidence has shown after making changes around trans fats it is just as healthy as butter," Matson says. "I feel like it's getting caught up in something where it shouldn't be."

Rep. Matson also raised concerns about the cost to schools. The bill passed the committee by a vote of 20-3, and leaders call it a worldwide issue.

"I appreciate the recognition from the minority that there is common ground here on this topic," Shipley says. "And that this bill was inspired by similar actions we've seen by various jurisdictions across the world."

The bill will be eligible for debate next week.


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