Unnecessary food restrictions hurt Indiana farmers and families

Indiana pork farmers are concerned about House Bill 1137, which would move our state toward food regulations similar to those used in Europe. The bill would restrict certain foods from school lunchrooms if they contain additives on a state-created list, even if those additives are considered safe by federal and international standards. The bill has already passed the House and is now before the Senate.

One of the additives on this list is BHT, which is used in some pork products to help prevent fat from going rancid and to maintain quality and shelf life. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the international food safety standard known as the Codex Alimentarius state that BHT is safe for human consumption when used within approved limits.

If FDA and international experts agree BHT is safe at these levels, why would Indiana choose to restrict it? This approach mirrors policies seen in Europe and states like California, where ingredients are banned based on high-dose animal studies, even when human health authorities say they are safe when properly used.

Overly restrictive regulations like this limit how nutritious, whole foods such as pork can be processed and distributed. Not every family or student has the same access to affordable, high-quality protein.

Processing methods that ensure food safety, quality and availability help give consumers more options— not fewer.

Indiana should rely on sound science and established food safety standards, not adopt unnecessary restrictions that hurt farmers and reduce food choices for families. I urge Indiana senators to vote no on House Bill 1137.

Josh Trenary is the executive director of Indiana Pork.