According to several news outlets, including CNN, US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson in the District of Columbia has ruled that the US Department of Agriculture lacks the authority to approve state waivers in pilot projects in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia.

The move blocks the Trump administration from allowing the five states to ban the purchase of sugary drinks and candy with food stamps.

In their waivers, the states sought to change the federal definition of food to one that restricted certain products. The bans differed somewhat in each state, with all limiting the purchase of sugary drinks, such as soda and energy beverages, and some also restricting candy. The limits applied to all SNAP recipients, with no exceptions allowed.

The five food stamp enrollees who brought the suit argued they need to buy the restricted items for their health and wellness — describing some of the drinks as necessary to address Type 1 diabetes, kidney issues and lack of energy.

Jackson pointed out that her decision is not intended as a comment on whether the bans are a good idea.

“The federal defendants and the states may have a genuine desire to improve the health of SNAP households by encouraging healthy choices at the store, and they can take lawful steps to meet those goals,” Jackson wrote. “But what they cannot do is violate the law and their own regulations along the way.”