California to phase out ultra-processed school foods
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a first-in-the-nation law to define and phase out specified ultra-processed foods from public school meals, setting a multi-year timeline starting with a regulatory definition by June 1, 2028. Schools must begin phasing out the defined items by July 1, 2029, vendors are barred from supplying them by July 1, 2032, and schools are fully prohibited from offering them by July 1, 2035.
Health
Education
Politics
📌 Key Facts
- California DPH must define “ultra-processed foods of concern” and “restricted school foods” by June 1, 2028
- School phase-out starts no later than July 1, 2029; vendor ban July 1, 2032; full school prohibition July 1, 2035
- Newsom called it the first state law to define and phase out UPFs in school meals; CDC data cited on prediabetes and UPF intake