Sacramento, 9 October 2025 — California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law a groundbreaking bill that bans ultraprocessed foods from public school lunch programs statewide, marking a significant shift in school nutrition policy aimed at improving student health.
What the Law Covers
The legislation prohibits the inclusion of foods classified as “ultraprocessed” — typically items containing industrial additives, artificial sweeteners, colorings, preservatives, and emulsifiers — in meals served at K–12 public schools. The ban applies to both state-funded lunch programs and food sold on campus during school hours.
Health and Policy Rationale
Supporters of the bill cite mounting scientific evidence linking ultraprocessed foods to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline in children. A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health found that diets high in ultraprocessed foods were associated with increased risk of early mortality and chronic illness.
Governor Newsom called the measure “a bold step toward protecting the health of California’s children,” adding that “schools should be places where healthy habits begin, not where harmful ones are reinforced.”
Implementation and Impact
The law will take effect July 1, 2026, giving school districts time to revise menus and source alternative ingredients. The California Department of Education will issue guidelines to help schools comply, including lists of approved food categories and procurement support for fresh and minimally processed items.
Nutrition advocates praised the move, while some school administrators expressed concern over cost and supply chain challenges, particularly in rural districts.
Outlook
California becomes the first U.S. state to enact a statewide ban on ultraprocessed foods in school lunches, potentially setting a precedent for national reform. As childhood health remains a growing concern, the law signals a shift toward whole-food nutrition and public accountability in school meal programs.
Sources: California Department of Education; The Lancet Public Health; Office of Governor Gavin Newsom.
