IL HB5507

School districts must begin eliminating ultraprocessed foods of concern and restricted school foods by July 1, 2029, with vendors prohibited from offering these foods to schools starting July 1, 2032.

Ultraprocessed foods are defined as products containing certain FDA-designated additives (emulsifiers, artificial colors, flavor enhancers, nonnutritive sweeteners) combined with high saturated fat (≥10% of calories), high sodium (≥1:1 mg to calorie ratio), or high added sugar (≥10% of calories).

The Department of Public Health must adopt rules by June 1, 2028 defining "ultraprocessed foods of concern" and "restricted school foods," considering factors such as bans in other jurisdictions, links to health harms (cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes), and hyperpalatability.

Food vendors must report data on restricted and ultraprocessed foods sold to schools to the Department of Public Health, which will publish annual summary reports in consultation with the State Board of Education.

The Act includes exemptions for USDA commodity foods, raw agricultural products, minimally processed foods, Class 1 milk, medical foods, and infant formula, and is set to repeal on January 1, 2034.