Michigan Bill: HB 4369

Bill Summary

Michigan HB4369 amends the state Food Law to prohibit schools from providing, selling, or offering food items containing brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and five artificial food dyes (Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Yellow 6) effective July 1, 2028. The ban applies to all public and nonpublic schools in Michigan. This legislation removes additives and colorants that have been linked to health concerns in scientific research and are already restricted or banned in other countries. The bill gives schools three years to reformulate their food sourcing and menus to comply with the new standards.

Why It Matters to MAHA

This bill directly advances MAHA's core mission of protecting health freedom and ensuring clean food access, particularly for vulnerable populations like children. The substances targeted—artificial dyes and additives like brominated vegetable oil and potassium bromate—are among the most common food chemicals linked to developmental and behavioral concerns yet remain legal in the United States despite bans or restrictions in the European Union and other nations. By removing these substances from school meals, Michigan prioritizes transparency and patient autonomy by giving families assurance that their children are not being exposed to questionable additives during the school day. This legislation represents a common-sense health protection measure that aligns with MAHA's commitment to reducing regulatory capture that has allowed industry interests to override public health.