Newsom signs law to define and phase out ultra‑processed foods from California schools

Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1264 at Belvidere Middle School in Los Angeles, enacting a law that creates a statutory definition of “ultra‑processed foods” and directs a phased removal of the most harmful ultra‑processed foods from California public schools.

The measure gives the California Department of Public Health authority to identify the worst ultra‑processed foods and to guide school districts toward healthier, locally sourced alternatives. Supporters called the law a major step for child health and said it builds on earlier state actions to ban certain additives and synthetic colors from school meals.

Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, the bill’s author, said AB 1264 “will provide the first ever legal definition of what constitutes an ultra‑processed food, and it will establish a science‑based framework to remove the most dangerous ultra‑processed foods from our schools.” He told the signing audience the measure is the culmination of a three‑year effort and credited doctors, scientists and advocates who helped craft the bill.

Scott Faber, senior vice president for the…