Prohibits the sale of foods containing synthetic color additives in schools

Latest action Apr 21, 2026

Prohibits the sale of foods containing synthetic color additives in schools except under certain circumstances off and away from the premises or on premises at least a half hour after the end of the school day.

Not chosen yet

Where it stands

Out of committee and scheduled for a vote by the full chamber.

Introduced
In committee
Up for a vote
Passed one chamber
Passed
Enacted

New York State Senate

Same as A8707, the matching bill in the Assembly.

Amends the Education Law.

Committee

Agriculture · New York State Assembly

Also referred to Agriculture · New York State Senate, Education · New York State Assembly, Education · New York State Senate.

Purpose, from the sponsor's memo

The purpose of this bill is to prohibit the sale of foods and beverages containing synthetic food dyes in New York public schools in order to protect children's health and support a safer, more supportive learning environment.

Filed with the bill. Read it on nysenate.gov (opens in a new tab)

Recorded votes

Vote: Committee vote · Agriculture
Senate AgricultureApr 21, 2026Result: passed
(9) (0) (0) (0)

The sponsor's argument

Why Brian Kavanagh says this is needed

Synthetic food dyes have been linked to increased hyperactivity, atten- tion deficits, and behavioral challenges in children, with growing evidence suggesting that these additives can negatively impact develop- ing brains. Removing these dyes from school foods is a critical step toward creating a safer, healthier learning environment. California has already passed a statewide ban on synthetic dyes in school meals, and New York City has taken similar action. Extending this protection state- wide in New York ensures that all public school students are shielded from unnecessary chemical exposures that may impair their learning and behavior. PRIOR LEGI LATIVE HISTORY: See S1239B/A1556B (Kavanagh/Kelles) of 2025.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.

Full history

Apr 21, 2026
Reported out of committee
REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO EDUCATION
NY Senate
Jan 23, 2026
Amend and Recommit to Education
AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO EDUCATION
NY Assembly
Jan 16, 2026
Amend and Recommit to Agriculture
AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO AGRICULTURE
NY Senate
Jan 7, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE
NY Senate
Jan 7, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO EDUCATION
NY Assembly

Show full history (3 earlier events)

Jun 2, 2025
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO EDUCATION
NY Assembly
May 22, 2025
Amend (t) and Recommit to Agriculture
AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO AGRICULTURE
NY Senate
Jan 24, 2025
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE
NY Senate

About this record

Summary: The summary comes from NY Open Legislation, the New York State Senate's public record. For more, see How we handle summaries.
Cosponsors: The list shows the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.
Party colors: Parties are shown in the same neutral colors.
Source: From NY Open Legislation, the NY Senate and Assembly, and official rosters. This record was last updated Nov 3, 2026. About our data

Read the record

Read on NY Senate (opens in a new tab) The official record on nysenate.gov.

Your position