HB580 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mack N. ButlerRepresentative

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Public K-12 schools, ultra-processed foods, prohibited and defined

Summary

HB580 would ban ultra-processed foods from on-campus sale in public K-12 schools that participate in federal meal programs, require the Department of Education to certify compliance and publish compliant schools, and define what counts as ultra-processed.

What This Bill Does

Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, public K-12 schools that participate in federally funded or assisted meal programs would not serve, sell, or allow a third party to sell ultra-processed food on campus during the normal school day. Parents or guardians may still provide ultra-processed foods to students during the school day. The State Department of Education must post on its website a standardized form for certification and a list of schools that certify compliance, and the bill defines ultra-processed foods and prohibited ingredients.

Who It Affects

• Group 1: Public K-12 students at schools that participate in federal meal programs — would be affected by the prohibition on ultra-processed foods on campus during the school day.
• Group 2: School administrators, food service providers, and the Alabama State Department of Education — must enforce the rule, handle certification, and publish the list of compliant schools.

Key Provisions

• Known as the Alabama Healthy Schools Act.
• Starting in 2026-2027, prohibits public K-12 schools participating in federally funded or assisted meal programs from serving, selling, or allowing a third party to sell ultra-processed food on campus during the normal school day.
• Defines ultra-processed foods and lists prohibited ingredients (including potassium bromate, propylparaben, titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, Yellow Dye 5 and 6, Blue Dyes 1 and 2, Green Dye 3, Red Dyes 3 and 40).
• The Department of Education must post a standardized certification form and a list of compliant schools on its website, and the act becomes effective October 1, 2025.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education