Louisiana Signs Sweeping Health Reform Legislation

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. signed health reform legislation at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, enacting bans on artificial colors and additives in school meals from 2028, regulating food chemicals in vending machines and concession stands, increasing access to ivermectin, and limiting SNAP purchases of unhealthy foods. The initiative, part of 'Make America Healthy Again,' also requires restaurants to disclose seed oil usage. Landry and Kennedy stressed the importance of healthier choices and increased parental control, aiming to address Louisiana's low health rankings. The event drew protests and highlighted debate over Kennedy's controversial appointments to federal advisory panels. Local leaders expressed approval of Kennedy's pledge not to promote anti-vaccination messages while in office. The reforms are positioned as foundational to improving public health across the state.