Tennessee has joined a host of other states in filing legislation that would further Make America Healthy Again policies.
Bills filed in Tennessee include ones that would ban public schools from selling items with artificial food dye, change vaccine policy and prohibit public water systems from adding fluoride, among others. At least seven state bills align with some of the biggest targets of MAHA policy.
Restricting synthetic food dyes has been one of the most popular MAHA movements. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Department of Health and Human Services announced in April that it would work with the food industry to phase out petroleum-based synthetic colors. Since then, large companies like Nestle and PepsiCo have started working to eliminate some additives.
A bill from Sen. Rusty Crowe, R-Johnson City, would ban public school districts and charter schools from selling any foods with artificial food dye through the school nutrition program or a third party. The bill would also expand a state law implemented last year that bans food and beverages with Red 40 from schools.
It’s also one of many across the nation targeting food additives. Last year, more than 140 bills were filed across 38 states on the issue, according to the company MultiState, which conducts research about state and local policies.
Crowe said the bill’s approach was informed by discussion with Hawkins County Director of Schools Matt Hixson and its Child Nutrition Supervisor Mandy Kenner.
“We know we can do better and we know that substituting these artificial dyes with natural coloring can and is being done in other countries and by many companies in our country,” Crowe said in a text. He added that he’s spoken with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about dye.
Other large countries and federations like Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom have already banned or restricted artificial dyes, according to major ingredient supplier American International Foods, Inc. The natural food colors market was estimated at $2.2 billion in 2024, “demonstrating strong investment from manufacturers” for natural alternatives, the company states on its website.
“Through this bill I am trying to put Tennessee and our schools ahead (of) the curve, so to speak, and reduce the shock on our school systems, as the Federal Government moves to remove this health risk to our children,” Crowe said in a text.
Crowe is also sponsoring a bill that would require utility systems to obtain and publish formal lab analyses for any water sold that contains fluoride. According to Crowe, the state comptroller’s office reported to him that while more than half of utilities using fluoride receive these lab analyses, called a Certificate of Analysis, most do not post the information for public viewing.
“This was very concerning to me,” Crowe said in a text, “as our public (needs) to know.”
Both of Crowe’s bills are currently being workshopped in committee. Related bills include the “Tennessee Fluoride-Free Water Act,” which would ban public water systems from adding fluoride to drinking water and sales of bottled water with fluoride.
Fluoride, which is currently still recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for good oral health, has faced scrutiny from Kennedy and the Trump administration.
Vaccines are another focus for state lawmakers. The “Tennessee mRNA Pharmaceutical Sovereignty and Safety Act,” sponsored by state Sen. Janice Bowling, R-Tullahoma, and state Rep. Monty Fritts, R-Kingston, would prohibit individuals from administering any vaccine that contains an mRNA vaccine or material. HHS announced in April that it would wind down mRNA vaccine development activities.
Both state lawmakers were not available for comment before press time.
Original article online at: https://timesnews.net/news/362834/tenn-joins-national-trend-of-maha-legislation/