California has enacted a law to phase out the “most concerning” ultra-processed foods (UPFs) from school meals over the next decade.
The bill, signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, establishes a clear definition of UPFs for school-related purposes.
In a statement, Newsom’s office emphasized that “the law is based on a simple, common-sense idea: schools should not serve students products that can harm their health or interfere with their ability to learn.”
This measure instructs California health officials to present new regulations by 1 June 2028.
According to the bill text, the regulations will identify “ultra-processed foods of concern” and “restricted school foods.” They will consider factors such as health risks associated with specific ingredients, relying on reputable, peer-reviewed scientific evidence.
Starting on 1 July 2029, schools must commence phasing out the restricted items and designated UPFs.
By 1 July 2032, vendors will be prohibited from supplying these products to schools.
A complete ban on serving or selling meals containing restricted foods or specified UPFs will take effect on 1 July 2035.
Highlighting the urgency of this initiative, the governor’s office noted that, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in July, 32.7% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 had prediabetes.
The CDC and the National Institutes of Health have also highlighted that nutritious diets are essential for reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Newsom asserted, “We have been out front for years, removing harmful additives and improving school nutrition.”
“This first-in-the-nation law builds on that work to ensure every California student has access to healthy, delicious meals that help them thrive.”
Limiting UPFs, often characterized as packaged foods with added fats, sugars, starches, salt, or hydrogenated oils, is part of a broader public health initiative in the state.
Recently, California’s legislature approved a bill to ban “forever chemicals” in food packaging and specific consumer goods.
In 2023, California passed legislation prohibiting four food chemicals already banned in the EU. Over 20 states have followed suit with similar restrictions on those chemicals or on synthetic food dyes in school meals.
At the federal level, the US Food and Drug Administration announced plans in January to prohibit the use of Red 3 (erythrosine, FD&C Red No. 3) in foods and dietary supplements. It must be removed from food products by 15 January 2027 and from drugs by 18 January 2028.
Furthermore, the FDA unveiled measures in April to phase out petroleum-based food dyes by the end of next year.