This state is first to ban ultra-processed food in school lunch

KEY POINTS

California is beginning to phase out ultra-processed foods in school meals.

Nearly 1 billion meals are served annually to kids in California public schools.

Defined harmful ingredients will be phased out from school lunches over 10 years.

California is beginning to phase out what it deems the most problematic ultra-processed foods from its school breakfast and lunch menus. The law, signed this week by Gov. Gavin Newsom, is the first in the nation to ban such foods.

Per a news release from Newsom’s office, “The law is based on a simple, common-sense idea: Schools should not serve students products that can harm their health or interfere with their ability to learn.”

In a written statement, Newsom said that “California has never waited for Washington or anyone else to lead