A new law will make California the first state to phase some ultraprocessed food out of school meals.
The law creates a separate definition for “ultraprocessed food of concern,” and those products are the target of the new ban.
In January, Newsom issued an executive order calling on state agencies to crack down on ultraprocessed foods and artificial dyes.
The moves have come amid renewed interest from states and the federal government in making school meals more nutritious.
Since he took office in February, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has encouraged legislation to limit ultraprocessed foods or artificial dyes in school meals.
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed a law in March banning seven artificial dyes from school meals, and he credited Kennedy for his influence.
But Gabriel said California’s efforts to improve school meals predate Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement. »