DelawareDistrict and charter schools cannot serve meals with Red 40
From July 1, 2026, Delaware district and charter schools cannot sell or serve meals or other nutrition program food and drinks with Red 40 on campus during the school day.
What it does
District and charter schools cannot sell or serve breakfast, lunch, or other food and drinks sold through school nutrition programs if they contain Red 40. This applies on campus during the school day, beginning July 1, 2026.
Argument forStudents could have less exposure to Red 40 at school, a coloring the bill’s summary links to behavior problems in some children.
Argument againstStudents may have fewer choices in cafeterias and vending machines if schools remove foods and drinks containing Red 40.
More detail
District and charter schools may not sell or serve breakfast, lunch, or other covered food and drinks containing Red 40. Other covered items are food and drinks sold through school nutrition programs. The rule applies on campus in areas students can access. Schools must follow this rule starting July 1, 2026. The school day runs from midnight before classes until 30 minutes after the official school day ends.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2025
- May 22Signed by Governor Matt MeyerBecame Law
- May 13Passed By House. Votes: 37 YES 4 ABSENTPassed House
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Lower
- May 7Reported Out of Committee (Education) in House with 6 Favorable, 5 On Its MeritsMinor
- May 1Assigned to Education Committee in HouseMinor
- Apr 17Passed By Senate. Votes: 19 YES 2 ABSENTPassed Senate
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 8Reported Out of Committee (Education) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 4 On Its MeritsMinor
- Mar 11Introduced and Assigned to Education Committee in SenateIntroduced
Education