California to Remove Ultra-Processed Foods in Schools by 2032

California lawmakers, led by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, have introduced a pioneering bill, Assembly Bill 1264, aiming to phase out ultra-processed foods in public school meals by 2032. The legislation seeks to define and eliminate particularly harmful foods, identified by state scientists and University of California experts, to improve children's health by reducing risks of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. The bill has bipartisan support and is co-sponsored by Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group, with a goal to make California the first state to remove such foods from school diets. Ultra-processed foods, such as chips, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks, are linked to negative health outcomes and constitute a significant portion of the U.S. diet. The initiative aligns with broader public health efforts to scrutinize and regulate food additives and improve nutrition across the state. Existing examples of successful changes in school districts, like Morgan Hill Unified, demonstrate the potential positive impact of such legislative actions on student health and school meal programs.