Daring To Lead: Utah’s Bill That Will Ban Junk Food

Utah has a culture of eating healthy. A report from America’s health rankings for 2024 shows the beehive state at the top. With a new Administration and a focus on making America healthier, Utah is one of the states willing to lead out. 

Two Bills Introduced in Utah 

Rep. Kristen Chevrier, R-Highland has introduced two separate bills to the Utah legislature that would decide what food is given out from the state. These would promote better nutrition and limit junk food. 

HB402 is to limit certain dyes and food additives from the meals prepared for school lunches. These include the red and yellow dyes that have come under scrutiny in recent years. They are synthesized and cause DNA damage according to the NIH. 

The second bill, HB403 would limit what junk foods can be purchased using SNAP benefits or food assistance programs. This would include banning soda and candy from what can be purchased. 

Utah’s Senator Introduces Healthy Snap Act 

On a national level, Senator Mike Lee from Utah has proposed a similar bill that would limit junk food from SNAP benefits on a national level. He argues that government funds should not be used to make people less healthy. 

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The people of Utah have a culture of health and watching what they eat. The state’s desire to consume good things is showing the way with the nation’s new focus on healthy food.