California is making a groundbreaking move to protect children’s health with a new bill aimed at phasing out ultra-processed foods from public schools. Assembly Bill 1264, set to be introduced Wednesday, proposes the gradual removal of these products, with the goal of eliminating them entirely from school meals by 2032.
If passed, the legislation would direct state health experts to identify the most harmful ultra-processed foods, such as sugary snacks, artificially flavored treats, and chemically modified ingredients commonly found in packaged foods. The bipartisan bill, co-authored by Democratic Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and Republican Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher, aims to prioritize students’ well-being by ensuring they have access to healthier meals.
A Growing Concern Over Ultra-Processed Foods
Ultra-processed foods—often packed with chemical additives, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives—have been linked to serious health risks, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Research shows that these products, which make up more than half of the average American’s diet, are designed to be highly palatable and can interfere with the brain’s ability to regulate appetite, leading to overeating and food addiction.
Assemblymember Gabriel emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, “Our schools should not be serving students food products loaded with chemical additives that can harm their physical and mental health. The more we learn, the clearer it becomes that protecting our kids from these harmful ingredients is essential.”
How the Bill Would Work
If enacted, the bill would:
- Establish a scientific framework to define and evaluate harmful ultra-processed foods.
- Require the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to determine which products pose the greatest health risks.
- Begin phasing out these foods in 2028, with full removal from school meals by 2032.
- Encourage manufacturers to reformulate products to meet healthier standards.
This initiative follows California’s recent efforts to improve food safety in schools. In 2023, the state banned several harmful food additives, and in 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law prohibiting artificial dyes from school meals. AB 1264 continues this momentum by addressing the broader issue of ultra-processed food consumption.
A Bipartisan Effort for Healthier School Meals
Republican Assemblymember James Gallagher, a co-sponsor of the bill, stressed the importance of nutrition in combating childhood obesity. “This isn’t a partisan issue. Our kids deserve better, and ensuring they have access to healthy food should be a top priority,” he said.
Health experts support the initiative, citing the risks associated with early exposure to highly processed foods. Professor Ashley Gearhardt from the University of Michigan explained, “The earlier children are exposed to addictive substances, including ultra-processed foods, the more likely they are to develop long-term health problems.”
While some food industry groups have not yet commented on the bill, past legislative efforts suggest that manufacturers may be prompted to modify their recipes rather than lose access to the large school food market.
What’s Next?
The bill will be formally introduced at a press conference on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. PT. If passed, California would set a precedent for other states looking to improve school nutrition standards.
Gabriel remains optimistic, noting that while schools will still provide meals, “We may just be feeding students healthier food.”
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