A bill in Tennessee (HB 0134/SB 0476) is progressing through the state legislature to ban items containing Red 40, a food dye, from being sold or provided to students on school property, except during fundraising events.

Introduced by Rep. Elaine Davis and Sen. Janice Bowling, the bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, and applies to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools.

It has been recommended for passage by a House subcommittee and the Senate in March, with further discussion scheduled for April 3 in the House Calendar & Rules Committee. If passed, the prohibition would begin on August 1, 2027.