Massachusetts: Senate set to vote on school nutrition bill

The Massachusetts Senate is weighing a bill that would ban the sale of salty and sugary snacks as well as high-calorie sodas in public schools.

The bill would require the state Public Health Department to develop nutritional standards for all food sold in schools, including snacks from vending machines.

The measure also requires schools to sell fresh fruits and vegetables, ban them from preparing deep fried foods, and require instruction on nutrition and exercise.

Supporters say the bill will fight childhood obesity, while critics say it will add to the tangle of regulations already facing schools.

The House passed a similar bill in January. The Senate is set to vote on Thursday.

Last year, 10 states passed school nutrition and nutrition education laws.