LAFAYETTE, La. — Louisiana is among several states re-evaluating the food served in school cafeterias.

A bill passed during the 2025 regular session lists 15 specific ingredients that public and state-funded nonpublic schools, the bill prohibits serving food or beverages containing 15 specific ingredients, including various artificial colors, preservatives and artificial sweeteners. It also requires schools to purchase locally produced food - but only if it's possible.

During a committee discussion, the author of the law, Sen. Patrick McMath, R-Covington, discussed the national focus on nutritional health.

"The nation is waking up to the importance of what we are putting into our body and what we are surrounding ourselves with," he said during the meeting.

KATC spoke with Pediatric Reg

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