Summary
California is the first U.S. state to pass a law to gradually remove certain ultra-processed foods from school meals over the next ten years. The law defines which foods are considered ultra-processed and sets deadlines for schools and vendors to stop offering these foods. This action aligns with wider efforts to improve diet and health in the U.S.
Key Facts
- Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law to phase out certain ultra-processed foods from California school meals.
- California is the first state to create a legal definition for ultra-processed foods.
- The Department of Public Health will define these foods by June 1, 2028.
- Schools must start phasing out the foods by July 1, 2029.
- Vendors cannot offer the restricted foods to schools starting July 1, 2032.
- Schools will be completely banned from offering these foods by July 1, 2035.
- CDC data shows that over half of daily calories for Americans over age 1 come from ultra-processed foods.
- Governor Newsom's office reported that 32.7% of youths aged 12-19 are prediabetic.
