California Becomes First State to Target Ultra-Processed Foods in Schools

Landmark Nutrition Legislation

California has become the first U.S. state to phase out ultra-processed foods from school meals following a bill signed Wednesday by Governor Gavin Newsom. The law directs state agencies to begin removing what Newsom’s office called “the most concerning” ultra-processed foods over the next decade.

“California is the first state to define ultra-processed foods and phase them out of school meals,” Newsom said on X. “DC politicians can talk all day about ‘Making America Healthy Again,’ but we've been walking the walk on boosting nutrition and removing toxic additives and dyes for decades.” Office of the Governor of California / Wikimedia

Implementation Timeline

Under the new law, California’s Department of Public Health must adopt official regulations by June 1, 2028, defining both “ultra-processed foods of concern” and “restricted school foods.”

Schools are required to begin phasing out such items no later than July 1, 2029, while vendors will be banned from selling them to schools starting July 1, 2032. By July 1, 2035, schools themselves will be prohibited from offering any of the restricted foods. Obi / Unsplash

Public Health Context

The legislation comes amid growing national concern over the health effects of highly processed products such as hamburgers, pizza, and sugary drinks. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, Americans aged one and older derived more than half of their calories from ultra-processed foods between 2021 and 2023.

Newsom’s office cited additional CDC figures showing that 32.7% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 are now considered prediabetic. Nathan Dumlao / Unsplash

Broader Policy Momentum

This move follows a January executive order in which Newsom directed state agencies to explore ways to reduce health risks linked to ultra-processed ingredients. It also builds on a 2023 California law banning four food additives deemed potentially harmful, set to take effect in 2027.

Nationally, the initiative aligns with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, which calls on Americans to move away from ultra-processed foods. Kennedy has pushed for a U.S. government-wide definition of ultra-processed food and has sought voluntary commitments from companies to reformulate products. Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

California’s Expanding Role in Shaping National Food Policy

The policy marks another example of California’s growing influence on national food standards, as public health and nutrition become increasingly politicized. Drei Kubik / Unsplash