Senate Health Committee advances AB 1264, directing state to identify and phase out certain ultra‑processed foods in schools

The California State Senate Committee on Health on an unspecified date voted to advance AB 1264 by a 10–0 vote, directing the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), working with the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), to identify "ultra‑processed foods" (UPFs) of concern and create a phased timeline for removing those items from school food service.

Supporters told the committee the bill is intended to protect children’s health by targeting a subset of highly processed products that emerging research links to chronic disease. Opponents from food and ingredient trade groups said the bill’s technical definitions and nutrient thresholds risk unintended consequences for school meal programs and manufacturing, and requested additional amendments.

Assemblymember Gabriel, the bill’s author, told the panel the measure had taken more than 50 amendments addressing stakeholder concerns and asked for an "I vote." Scott Faber of the Environmental Working Group and Dr. Ravindra Khera, a board‑certified pediatrician representing the American Academy of…