California Assembly Bans Harmful Ultraprocessed Foods in Schools by 2032

California is on track to become the first state to ban particularly harmful ultra-processed foods from public school meals through the recently approved bipartisan bill AB 1264. The legislation mandates the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to define and identify these harmful ultra-processed foods, aiming to phase them out by 2032. This move responds to growing research linking ultra-processed foods to serious health issues such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes, with children consuming an estimated 67 percent of their calories from these foods. Lawmaker Jesse Gabriel highlighted that school cafeterias serve over a billion meals annually, making them a critical arena for improving children's nutritional health. The bill, supported by Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group, emphasizes replacing ultra-processed foods with healthier options to reduce health risks and set a precedent for other states. Meanwhile, in Colorado, legislation has been signed to place ballot measures allowing voters to decide on the continuation or adjustment of the Healthy School Meals for All program, reflecting ongoing efforts nationwide to address child nutrition and hunger.