Bill Summary
The "Dye Free Procurement Act" aims to enhance the quality of food procured by federal agencies by prohibiting the purchase of food items that contain specific artificial color additives. These additives include well-known dyes such as Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and others listed in the bill. Instead, the legislation mandates that agencies prioritize sourcing food products that are free from any color additives, promoting healthier options in federal procurement practices. The act will take effect six months following its enactment and will apply to all new contracts established after that date.
Possible Impacts
The "Dye Free Procurement Act" could affect people in several ways:
1. **Health Benefits for Vulnerable Populations**: Many individuals, including children and those with certain health conditions, may be sensitive to artificial color additives. By prohibiting the federal procurement of foods containing these additives, the legislation could help reduce potential adverse health effects for these populations. As a result, meals provided in federal settings, such as schools or hospitals, may become healthier, promoting better overall public health.
2. **Economic Impact on Food Suppliers**: The legislation may lead to changes in the food supply chain, as suppliers will need to adapt to the new procurement standards. Companies that produce food containing color additives may face decreased demand from federal contracts. Conversely, producers of dye-free products could benefit economically from increased opportunities to supply federal agencies. This shift may require businesses to reformulate products or invest in new production methods.
3. **Consumer Awareness and Market Trends**: The act could influence consumer behavior and preferences. As federal agencies prioritize dye-free foods, consumers may become more aware of the presence of artificial color additives in their food. This heightened awareness could lead to a broader market trend toward natural and dye-free food products, impacting how food manufacturers market their products and potentially leading to a wider availability of healthier options in grocery stores.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6653 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 6653
To prohibit the Federal procurement of food that contain certain color
additives and prioritize the procurement of products not containing any
color additives.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 11, 2025
Mr. Lawler introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To prohibit the Federal procurement of food that contain certain color
additives and prioritize the procurement of products not containing any
color additives.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Dye Free Procurement Act''.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON FEDERAL PROCUREMENT OF FOOD CONTAINING CERTAIN
COLOR ADDITIVES; PRIORITIZATION OF FOOD NOT CONTAINING
ANY COLOR ADDITIVE.
(a) Prohibition.--The head of an executive agency may not renew or
enter into a contract for the procurement of food that contains a
covered color additive.
(b) Priority Procurement of Food That Contains a Color Additive.--
The head of an executive agency shall prioritize the procurement of
food, where available and practicable, that does not contain any color
additives.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Color additive.--The term ``color additive'' has the
meaning given such term in section 201 of the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301).
(2) Covered color additive.--The term ``covered color
additive'' means each of the following color additives:
(A) Red No. 40.
(B) Yellow No. 5.
(C) Yellow No. 6.
(D) Green No. 3.
(E) Blue No.1.
(F) Blue No.2.
(G) Citrus Red No.2.
(H) Orange B.
(3) Executive agency.--The term ``executive agency'' has
the meaning given the term in section 133 of title 41, United
States Code.
(4) Food.--The term ``food'' has the meaning given such
term in section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
(21 U.S.C. 301).
(d) Applicability.--This section shall take effect 6 months after
the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to
any contract entered into on and after such effective date.
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