State legislatures across the country are moving on food additive legislation in 2026, with several bills reaching critical milestones this session. From school-focused food dye bans to broader statewide additive prohibitions, here is a look at where key bills stand.

Michigan HB 4369: School Food Dye Ban Passes the House

Michigan's HB 4369, which prohibits certain synthetic dye substances in school foods, passed the Michigan House with a vote of 58 to 47 and was given immediate effect. The bill now heads to the Michigan Senate, where companion legislation SB 228 has already been referred to the Education Committee. Michigan is among the first states to advance a chamber-passed school food dye bill this session.

Maryland HB 1004: Broad Additive Ban Advances

Maryland's HB 1004, which would prohibit four specific additives — BVO (brominated vegetable oil), potassium bromate, propylparaben, and Red Dye 3 — in food sold in the state, passed second reading with amendments. Maryland is on track to become one of the few states to enact a broad, statewide food additive prohibition, going beyond school settings to cover the general food supply.

Tennessee SB 2423: Heading to the Governor

Tennessee's SB 2423, which expands the state's existing school food restrictions to cover additional synthetic food dyes beyond Allura Red AC (Red 40), has been transmitted to the Governor for action. Tennessee has been at the forefront of state-level school food legislation, and this bill would extend those protections to additional additives in the school meal context.

Nebraska LB 940: Floor Vote Imminent

Nebraska's LB 940, which would prohibit certain color additives in school meals, has been placed on Final Reading in the legislature — meaning a floor vote is imminent. The bill has moved quickly through the legislative process and stands as one of the most advanced school nutrition bills in the country this session.

With bills advancing in more than two dozen states this session, the landscape of state food ingredient regulation is shifting rapidly. Track the status of all active state legislation in real time using FISC's 2026 State Legislation Tracker.