Public schools, hospitals, and senior programs in New York City are set to undergo significant menu modifications, resulting in the phase-out of artificial food colorings and diet sodas.

The New York City Department of Health and the Mayor's Office of Food Policy have announced an update to the New York City Food Standards for Meals and Snacks Purchased and Served, effective from July 1, 2026. These updated standards are a significant step towards a healthier city, according to some watchdogs and officials.

The new standards aim to increase the availability of plant proteins such as beans, nuts, and seeds, and require agencies and sub-contractors serving a snack to include at least one serving per week of fruit or vegetables. Approved food options under the updated New York City Food Standards include hummus, vegetables, fruits, cereal, cheese and crackers, bean dip and vegetables, and more.

The updated standards extend bans on soda, processed meats, including cold cuts, and continue the ban on fruit juices that are not 100% juice. Diet sodas, which contain low- or no-calorie sweeteners, are being banned for all ages. Every snack served under the updated standards must include at least two food categories: fruits, vegetables, grains, or proteins.

The updated standards also set new restrictions on artificial colors and certain flour additives and preservatives. They are committed to ensuring all New Yorkers have access to healthy, fresh foods and are intended to make healthy eating more accessible for those with limited resources.

According to the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute Director, the updated standards address structural inequities that make healthy eating inaccessible to many. The New York City Health Department's updated standards are designed to increase life expectancy by targeting chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Mayor Eric Adams called the new standards a step toward improving the health of many New Yorkers, citing his own experience of turning his life around with a plant-based diet. The city's updated standards impact more than one million New Yorkers, as they apply to city schools, hospitals, adult care facilities, and other agencies.

The updated standards are a significant step towards a healthier New York City, aiming to reduce the occurrence of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The search results do not contain information about the institutions in New York City affected by the new nutritional standards starting July 1, 2026, but based on general knowledge, these typically include public schools, city-run childcare centers, hospitals, and government institutions that provide meals or beverages to the public.

Public schools, hospitals, and senior programs in New York City are set to undergo significant menu modifications, resulting in the phase-out of artificial food colorings and diet sodas.