NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Legislation to prohibit the synthetic food dye, Red 40, from Tennessee’s school nutrition programs was approved by the General Assembly.

House Bill 134, sponsored by State Rep. Elaine Davis, R-Knoxville, and Sen. Janice Bowling, R-Tullahoma, specifically bans food and beverage items containing Allura Red 40, commonly known as Red 40, from being sold or provided to students through all public and charter schools’ nutrition programs.

“Synthetic food dyes pose a serious threat to our children’s physical and mental health,” Davis said. “It’s time for schools to prioritize real, nutritious food and drinks. Phasing out these harmful additives is a crucial step toward protecting our children’s well-being, and I’m encouraged to see momentum building at the national level.”

Red 40 contains benzene, a known carcinogen, and has been linked to potential side effects such as hyperactivity, irritability and depression, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Some researchers are examining the rise in childhood Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and its potential links to environmental and dietary factors. ADHD rates in American children have increased from 6.1% to 10.2% over the past 20 years, according to a report by the California Environmental Protection Agency.

“We know that synthetic dye can negatively affect kids’ behavior and mental health,” Bowling said. “I’m proud to have passed legislation that bans Red 40 dye in Tennessee schools. This is part of a larger effort to protect our children’s well-being, like those led by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to remove harmful additives from our food. This law aims to create a healthier school environment while allowing flexibility for fundraisers.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced on April 22 the agency’s plan to phase out synthetic food dyes in the nation’s food supply and replace them with natural color additives.

Several states have approved similar legislation in recent years. Most recently, West Virginia and Virginia banned Red 40 and six other synthetic food dyes from school nutrition programs.

House Bill 134 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature. The law will take effect on August 1, 2027.

Elaine Davis represents House District 18 which includes part of Knox County.

Janice Bowling represents Senate District 16 which includes Coffee, DeKalb, Franklin, Grundy, Lincoln and Warren Counties.