Dye Free Procurement Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6653
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-11: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-16T05:38:17Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Dye Free Procurement Act (H.R. 6653) aims to restrict the U.S. federal government's purchase of certain foods by prohibiting the procurement of items containing specific synthetic color additives, commonly known as food dyes. It also encourages buying foods without any color additives to promote healthier options in government-supplied meals.
Key Provisions
- Prohibition on Procurement: Heads of executive agencies (federal departments and agencies like the Department of Defense or Health and Human Services) cannot renew or enter new contracts for food that includes "covered color additives." These are specific synthetic dyes: Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Green No. 3, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Citrus Red No. 2, and Orange B.
- Prioritization Requirement: Agencies must prioritize purchasing food without any color additives (not just the covered ones) when such options are available and practical.
- Definitions:
- "Color additive" refers to any dye, pigment, or substance that adds color to food, as defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (a key U.S. law regulating food safety).
- "Food" includes any edible substance intended for human consumption under the same Act.
- "Executive agency" means federal executive branch entities, as defined in federal procurement laws.
- Effective Date and Applicability: The rules take effect 6 months after the bill becomes law and apply to all new or renewed contracts starting on that date.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces new restrictions on federal food procurement, which previously had no specific bans on these color additives. It amends procurement practices under Title 41 of the U.S. Code (governing federal buying) by adding health-focused limitations, without altering broader food safety regulations like those in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. No existing contracts before the effective date are affected.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Agencies that buy food in bulk (e.g., for military bases, federal prisons, schools via federal programs, or employee cafeterias) may face higher costs or supply chain adjustments to source dye-free alternatives. This could require updating vendor contracts and inventory systems within the 6-month window.
- On Citizens: Indirect benefits for people receiving government-provided meals, such as service members, inmates, or students in federally supported programs, through access to foods potentially lower in synthetic additives linked to health concerns (though the bill does not regulate private-sector food). No direct impact on individual consumers outside federal programs.
- On International Relations: Minimal to none, as the bill focuses on domestic procurement and does not affect trade agreements or imports directly; however, it might influence U.S. suppliers exporting to federal buyers.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Executive Agencies: Primary buyers of food, responsible for compliance.
- Food Suppliers and Manufacturers: Companies contracting with the government must reformulate products or offer dye-free options to remain eligible, potentially affecting small businesses reliant on federal sales.
- Consumers of Government Food: Including military personnel, federal prisoners, and participants in programs like school lunches, who may see changes in meal options.
- Public Health Advocates: Groups concerned about synthetic dyes' potential effects on children's behavior or allergies could view this as a positive step.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill aligns with existing federal authority over procurement (under Title 41) and food definitions (under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act), avoiding conflicts with FDA regulations that still allow these dyes in commercial foods. It could set a precedent for health-based procurement rules without banning dyes outright.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues; it falls within Congress's spending power to set conditions on federal funds, respecting states' rights and free commerce by targeting only government purchases.
- Political: Highlights growing concerns over food additives' health impacts, potentially influencing future legislation on nutrition in public programs. It promotes "cleaner" government eating without mandating changes for the private market, appealing to bipartisan interests in public health and fiscal responsibility.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-11: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-12-11: Introduced in House
- 2025-12-11: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Dye Free Procurement Act — issued 2025-12-11 — PDF (3 pages)