TRENTON, NJ – Sugar and corn syrup are coming back and artifcial sweeteners our out in New Jersey school lunch rooms under a bill introduced in the New Jersey Senate on Wednesday.
A new proposal in the New Jersey Senate seeks to prohibit the sale and distribution of food and beverages containing artificial sweeteners in both public and private schools statewide.
Sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner (D–Hunterdon, Mercer), the bill would amend existing school nutrition standards to add a ban on products containing non-nutritive sweeteners—commonly known as sugar substitutes or artificial sweeteners—such as aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin.
Under the measure, no school would be permitted to serve, sell, or allow third parties to sell any food or beverage containing these substances on school property at any time during the day. The restriction would also apply to free promotional items and after-school snack programs, with exceptions only for medically authorized special diets and students with individualized education plans requiring specific foods.
The legislation builds on previous nutritional guidelines established under a 2007 state law that limited foods high in sugar and fat in school vending machines, snack bars, and cafeterias. Senator Turner said the goal is to reduce student exposure to artificial additives and encourage natural, healthier food choices.
If enacted, the prohibition would take effect immediately and apply to all public and nonpublic schools across New Jersey.
- Bill bans artificial sweeteners from all food and beverages in New Jersey schools
- Applies to both public and private institutions statewide
- Seeks to promote healthier, natural food options for students