California becomes first US state to ban ultra-processed foods from schools

California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks at Belvedere Middle School before signing legislation aimed at improving kids’ nutrition and health across California. Credit: Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

California has become the first state in the United States to ban ultra-processed foods from school meals, after Governor Gavin Newsom signed landmark legislation on 8 October.

The new law, Assembly Bill 1264, introduced by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-San Fernando Valley), defines ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in statute and will phase them out of California public school lunch meals by 2035. It also prioritises whole food ingredients, requiring that elementary school snacks consist only of fruit, vegetables, dairy protein or whole grain-rich items.

Governor Newsom said: “California has never waited for Washington or anyone else to lead on kids’ health — we’ve been out front for years, removing harmful additives and improving school nutrition. This first-in-the-nation law builds on that work to make sure every California student has access to healthy, delicious meals that help them thrive.”

UPFs are generally defined as products made using industrial processing or containing additives to enhance flavour, texture or shelf life. They account for more than half of all calories consumed in the American diet and 62 percent of those consumed by children. Several studies have linked high consumption to obesity, cardiovascular disease and impaired learning outcomes.

The “Real Food, Healthy Kids Act” sets the framework for the ban, targeting products high in saturated fat, added sugar or sodium that also contain additives such as artificial dyes, flavours, sweeteners, emulsifiers or thickeners. California’s Department of Public Health must refine the framework by 2028, setting exemptions and creating categories such as ‘ultra-processed foods of concern’ and ‘restricted school foods.’ Schools will begin phasing out the identified products in 2029.

The legislation builds on California’s track record of banning harmful food dyes and chemicals in school meals. Supporters argue it could serve as a model for other states, many of which are already advancing restrictions on additives through the wider “Make America Healthy Again” campaign. That movement has seen growing momentum in legislatures across the US, with several states seeking to phase out synthetic dyes and chemical ingredients from children’s diets.

“With Governor Newsom’s signature on AB 1264, California has taken a historic step toward protecting our children from harmful ultra-processed foods and chemical additives,” said Gabriel. “While Washington DC is paralysed by inaction, California is once again leading the nation with a bipartisan, common sense, science-based approach.”

The Food and Drug Administration is currently working on a federal definition of UPFs, raising the possibility of nationwide regulation in the future.