Georgia House considers bill to limit synthetic dyes, additives in schools and food sales

A recently proposed measure by State Rep. Eric Bell in the Georgia House seeks to impose new restrictions on synthetic food dyes and additives in schools and food items sold across the state, according to the Georgia State House.

Labeled HB1014 and introduced Friday, Jan. 16 at the start of the 2026 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, the bill is formally stated as: ’Education; prohibit private and public primary and secondary schools from serving or selling, or allowing a third party to serve or sell, food or beverages that contain certain synthetic dyes’.

Here is our summarized analysis, referring to the actual bill text, and including interpretations for clarity on the bill’s intent.

The legislative proposal calls for limiting particular synthetic food dyes and additives in Georgia schools and food sales. As of Jan. 1, 2027, public and private primary and secondary schools would be barred from providing or permitting the sale of foods or beverages containing designated synthetic dyes on campus during the school day, except for narrow exceptions during certain fundraising events. It would also broaden the meaning of adulterated food to encapsulate products marketed under invented names lacking pertinent ingredients. Beginning Jan. 1, 2028, listed additives such as butylated hydroxyanisole, propylparaben and related synthetic dyes would be classified as hazardous, barring their use in food items.

The sponsoring lawmakers include Rep. Dexter Sharper (Democrat-177th), Rep. Leesa Hagan (Republican-156th), and Rep. Jordan Ridley (Republican-22nd).

Since the legislature convened, Rep. Bell has put forth 11 additional bills.

Bell holds a Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College.

A member of the Democratic Party, Bell was elected to Georgia’s 75th House District in 2023, succeeding former state representative Mike Glanton.

In Georgia, the process for making laws generally starts when a lawmaker works, often at the request of a constituent, with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft a proposal. Once filed with the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate, the bill receives its first reading and is referred to a committee for detailed review. If the committee advances it, the bill moves to the chamber floor where it receives its third reading before being debated and put to a vote. Both chambers must pass the bill. Sometimes, if versions differ, a conference committee reconciles them. After passage, the governor has six days during the session or 40 days following adjournment (Sine Die) to sign, veto, or allow the measure to become law without a signature. The state legislature assembles for a 40-day session each year starting the second Monday in January.

Details in this report drew from the Georgia State House. Source data available here.