California became the first state in the US Wednesday to define and ban ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) from meals served to schoolchildren.

The law, AB 1264 , follows an executive order signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom earlier this year to crack down on UPFs. Under the new legislation, California will phase out the most concerning UPFs from school meals in California.

Upon signing AB 1264 into law, Newsom said:

California has never waited for Washington or anyone else to lead on kids’ health—we’ve been out front for years, removing harmful additives and improving school nutrition. This first-in-the-nation law builds on that work to make sure every California student has access to healthy, delicious meals that help them thrive.

UPFs have been linked to increased health risk

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