AB 2316 Summary

• Beginning December 31, 2027, prohibits California schools from offering school breakfasts and lunches containing six artificial food dyes: Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6.

• Extends the same dye prohibitions to all competitive foods and beverages sold on school campuses (snacks, drinks, etc.) during school hours, with exemptions for school fundraising events held off-campus or at least 30 minutes after school ends.

• Exempts foods provided through the USDA Foods in Schools program from the dye restrictions, allowing schools time to work with federal suppliers.

• Requires school districts, county superintendents, and charter schools to comply with the new standards by December 31, 2027; establishes that noncompliance with these requirements may result in loss of state meal reimbursement.

• Provides for state reimbursement of costs to local agencies and school districts if the Commission on State Mandates determines the bill imposes state-mandated requirements.