New State Law Would Define and Limit Ultraprocessed Foods in School Meals

SACRAMENTO — A bipartisan bill known as the Real Food, Healthy Kids Act (AB 1264) has passed both houses of the state legislature and is on its way to the Governor’s desk. The stated goal of the legislation is to “reduce the consumption of ultraprocessed foods by the children of California, and to encourage schools and school districts to promote and provide healthier options in school meals,” as well as to “prioritize the inclusion of agricultural and whole food products in school meals.” The measure was introduced by Assembly Member Jesse Gabriel and has multiple co-authors from across the political spectrum, including District 1 Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick.

Ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) have been a concern for at least a decade, but the category is difficult to classify precisely. According to a commonly used definition, UPFs are industrially processed food products made with additives or ingredients not commonly used in home cooking. They often contain significant levels of added sugar and salt, as well as artificial colors and flavors. Research cited by the American Medical Association has linked consuming large amounts of UPFs to more than 30 health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. However, because they are usually cheaper than less processed alternatives, they account for a large part of typical American diets.

If the Real Food, Healthy Kids Act is signed into law, it will direct the state Department of Public Health to identify, by June 2028, “UPFs of concern” and “restricted school foods” through a review of reputable scientific evidence linking foods or ingredients to health conditions including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity, and consideration of other issues including whether they are banned or restricted by other federal, state or international authorities. Schools would be required to begin phasing out UPFs of concern and restricted school foods by July 2029, and vendors would be prohibited from offering them to schools by July 2032.