California Becomes First State to Ban Ultraprocessed Foods
California has passed a landmark bill with broad bipartisan support, making it the first state to define and ban ultraprocessed foods, with only one assemblymember opposing.
Overview
- California has enacted a groundbreaking bill, becoming the first state in the nation to officially define and prohibit ultraprocessed foods within its borders.
- The legislation received significant backing, demonstrating broad bipartisan support among state lawmakers, indicating a unified approach to public health.
- Only a single assemblymember cast a dissenting vote against the measure, highlighting the overwhelming consensus on the importance of regulating these food products.
- This pioneering move by California sets a precedent, potentially influencing other states to consider similar legislative actions regarding food regulation and public health.
- The bill aims to improve public health by restricting the availability of ultraprocessed foods, addressing concerns about their impact on diet and well-being.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the new California law neutrally, presenting a balanced view. They include both proponents' and critics' perspectives, acknowledge scientific complexities regarding ultraprocessed foods, and report on the law's details and potential impacts without evaluative language, allowing readers to form their own conclusions.
"California becomes the first state to phase some ultraprocessed food out of school meals."
NBC News"California will phase out certain ultraprocessed foods from school meals over the next decade under a first-in-the-nation law signed Wednesday by Gov. Gavin Newsom."
Associated PressArticles (3)
FAQ
Under the law, 'ultraprocessed food' (UPF) is defined as any food that combines specific FDA-listed additives—such as stabilizers, emulsifiers, flavor enhancers, colors, or non-nutritive sweeteners—with high levels of saturated fat, added sugar, or sodium; examples include individual sweeteners like sucralose, erythritol, and maltitol. Minimally processed agricultural products, USDA commodity foods, infant formula, and medical foods are excluded from the ban.
Schools will begin phasing out ultraprocessed foods in 2029, with full compliance required by 2035. Detailed regulations must be issued by the California Department of Public Health by June 2028.
The California Department of Public Health is tasked with identifying which ultraprocessed foods are 'of concern'—considering factors such as whether the food is banned in other states or countries, scientific evidence of harm, and whether the food is engineered to be 'hyperpalatable.' Not all ultraprocessed foods meeting the definition will be banned, only those specifically identified as particularly harmful.
Yes, the law exempts USDA commodity foods, minimally processed agricultural products (such as canned or pasteurized items), infant formula, and medical foods.
California's move sets a national precedent, and its approach could prompt other states to consider similar legislation. The FDA has shown growing interest in defining ultraprocessed foods at the federal level, making it possible that California’s law could influence broader regulatory changes.
History
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