State Senator to “Make Louisiana Healthy Again”

Louisiana ranks among the worst in the nation for obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. For Covington Senator Patrick McMath, that’s unacceptable. “We’ve got to start prioritizing health in a real way,” McMath said during the 2025 legislative session. He’s introduced a comprehensive bill under the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) agenda that tackles how food is prepared, labeled, and served across Louisiana.

What’s in the Bill?

McMath’s proposal includes a ban on ultra-processed foods in public schools and private schools that receive state funding, beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. The law would also require:

• Restaurants to disclose when seed oils are used in food preparation (starting January 1, 2027)
• Food manufacturers to add warning labels to products containing specific artificial colors, additives, or chemicals
• DCFS to submit a request to the USDA to block the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing soft drinks

Defining Ultra-Processed Foods

According to the NOVA classification system, ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations made from substances extracted from foods or synthesized in labs—think artificial sweeteners, flavor enhancers, and preservatives . Research has linked these foods to chronic health problems, including increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and even early death .

McMath told KEEL News on Tuesday morning the goal is simple: “We’re focusing on ingredients already found to be harmful.”

The Truth About Seed Oils

The bill’s required seed oil disclosure brings a controversial health topic into the spotlight. Seed oils like soybean, corn, canola, and sunflower are high in omega-6 fatty acids and have become staples in processed and restaurant foods. Though once praised for being cholesterol-free, new studies suggest their high levels of linoleic acid may contribute to chronic inflammation and metabolic issues .

Seed oils rose to popularity in the early 1900s as industrial byproducts were repurposed into cooking oils—most notably Crisco, which was originally a soap product before being marketed as a lard replacement .

Food Labels and SNAP Reform

The bill would also mandate that manufacturers clearly mark packaging with warnings if a product contains flagged additives or chemicals. These disclosures would need to be visible and also listed on the company’s website.

Additionally, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) would be required to request a federal waiver that prohibits soft drink purchases using SNAP benefits. While similar proposals have failed nationally, McMath believes Louisiana can lead the way in tying nutrition to government assistance.

McMath further points out that childhood obesity is in the 40% range for Louisiana's lower income families and says, "I am not trying to ostracize the individual, I am trying to ostracize the ingredients that are making that individual sick."

What Happens Next?

If passed, school restrictions would take effect in fall 2026, with restaurant and food labeling provisions rolling out in January 2027. As expected, the proposal is already drawing resistance from the food and beverage industry, but McMath stands firm.

“This isn’t about punishing anyone,” he said. “It’s about giving people the information they need and protecting our kids from food choices that set them up for a lifetime of health problems.”