On Oct. 8, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1264 into law, which bans ultra-processed foods from California schools.
The law provides a statutory definition of ultra-processed foods and requires the State Department of Public Health to adopt regulations by June 2028 to define “ultraprocessed foods of concern” and “restricted school foods.” Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-46), bill sponsor, said, “Here in the Golden State, Democrats and Republicans are joining forces to ensure that students are receiving healthy, nutritious meals that are made from real foods, not harmful chemical additives.”
