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States Target Ultraprocessed Foods in Bipartisan Push
The bipartisan bill targets ultraprocessed foods linked to obesity and chronic disease and would affect nearly a billion school meals annually in California, health officials said.
- On September 12, California lawmakers sent a bill creating a first-in-the-nation legal definition of ultraprocessed foods with most Republicans voting to advance it, and Governor Gavin Newsom has 30 days to sign or veto the measure.
- Public health evidence points to scientific studies linking ultraprocessed foods to heart attack, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and mental health risks, while CDC data shows over half of Americans' calories come from these foods.
- The bill defines ultraprocessed foods as high in saturated fat, salt, or added sugar and containing industrial ingredients, while directing the California Department of Public Health to identify foods of concern by June 1, 2028, with phase-outs in public K-12 schools starting July 1, 2029.
- California public schools serve almost a billion meals annually and could see menu changes, while beverage and food industry groups warn of broad labeling and bill supporters hope for reformulation.
- At least 30 states have passed or considered food chemical restrictions, while a dozen states including Florida and Idaho seek USDA waivers; U.S. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. leads the MAHA movement for federal ultraprocessed food definitions.
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21 Articles
Hanford Sentinel+14 Reposted by 14 other sources
States target ultraprocessed foods in bipartisan push
With the Trump administration scaling back federal efforts to protect Americans from medical bills they can’t pay, advocates for patients and consumers have shifted their work to contain the nation’s medical debt problem to state Capitols.
kffhealthnews.org+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
States Target Ultraprocessed Foods in Bipartisan Push
California Republican James Gallagher, the GOP’s former Assembly leader, has often accused the state’s progressive lawmakers of heavy-handed government intrusion, but this year he added his name to a legislative push for healthier school meals. His party followed suit, with all but one Republican voting to send a bill to Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom that would put into law a first-in-the nation legal definition of ultraprocessed foods, followed …
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Total News Sources21
Leaning Left0Leaning Right1Center15Last UpdatedBias Distribution94% Center
Bias Distribution
- 94% of the sources are Center
94% Center
C 94%
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