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Nov,2025
On October 8, 2025, Governor Gavin Christopher Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1264Belvedere Middle School into law in the cafeteria of a Los Angeles public school — not in a ceremonial chamber, but where the real impact begins: among kids grabbing lunch between classes. The bill, authored by Jesse Gabriel, a Democratic assemblymember from California’s 46th District, doesn’t just tweak nutrition guidelines. It redefines what counts as food in school cafeterias. And for the first time in U.S. history, it legally bans the most harmful ultra-processed foods from public school meals by 2035.
What Exactly Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
It’s not just junk food. Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations with five or more ingredients — many not found in home kitchens. Think: flavored chicken nuggets with preservatives, sugar-coated breakfast cereals, packaged cookies with artificial flavors, and soft drinks with high-fructose corn syrup. A 2021 Journal of the American Medical Association study found that 67% of children’s daily calories in the U.S. come from these products. That’s more than two-thirds of what kids eat. And it’s not because they’re picky — it’s because these foods are engineered to be irresistible: the perfect crunch, the sweet punch, the salt that makes you want another bite.
The California Department of Public Health will now define exactly which ultra-processed foods qualify as "especially harmful" — based on additives, sugar content, sodium levels, and artificial ingredients linked to cancer, diabetes, and behavioral issues. The agency has two years to publish its criteria. That means schools won’t wake up in 2026 and find their pizza rolls gone overnight. But by 2035, if a food item meets the harmful threshold, it’s off the menu.
Why This Matters Beyond the Cafeteria
California’s public schools serve nearly one billion meals every year — to 6 million students across 1,026 districts. That’s a massive market. And when California changes its rules, manufacturers listen. Remember when the state banned synthetic food dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5 in school meals? Within two years, major snack brands reformulated products nationwide. Same thing happened with BPA-lined cans and certain phthalates. This law could do the same for ultra-processed foods.
Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group — both co-sponsors — argue that these foods aren’t just unhealthy; they’re addictive. "They’re designed to override natural satiety signals," said Brian Ronholm, Director of Food Policy at Consumer Reports. "Kids aren’t choosing these because they’re smart — they’re choosing them because they’re programmed to crave them. Schools shouldn’t be part of that programming."
How Schools Will Adapt
Some districts already have strong programs. In Oakland, school meals are mostly whole foods — beans, brown rice, roasted vegetables, fresh fruit. But in rural or low-income areas, budget constraints and reliance on federal commodity foods make change harder. The law includes funding provisions to help schools transition. The state will offer grants for kitchen upgrades, staff training, and local food sourcing.
"We’re not asking schools to become gourmet chefs," said Assemblymember Gabriel. "We’re asking them to stop serving things that look like food but aren’t. A chicken patty with 23 ingredients isn’t protein — it’s chemistry. We’re giving them better tools, better ingredients, and time to adjust. That’s leadership, not punishment."
What Comes Next?
The next two years will be critical. The California Department of Public Health will convene nutrition scientists, pediatricians, food manufacturers, and school administrators to draft the official list. Experts will likely target items like sugary cereals, flavored milk with added sugars, frozen pizzas with trans fats, and processed meats like hot dogs and deli slices. But they won’t ban everything. A granola bar made with oats, honey, and nuts? Probably fine. A granola bar with 17 additives and high-fructose corn syrup? Not anymore.
Already, legislators in New York, Illinois, and Washington are watching closely. "This isn’t just about California," said a senior aide to a U.S. House committee member. "If it works here — if kids don’t revolt, if schools don’t collapse — it becomes the new national baseline."
A Legacy of Food Leadership
California has long led on food safety. It was the first state to ban trans fats in restaurants, require calorie counts on chain menus, and mandate warning labels on sugary drinks sold in pharmacies. It also pioneered universal free school meals — a program now serving every student regardless of income. This law is the next logical step: stop poisoning kids with food that’s been engineered to be cheap, shelf-stable, and habit-forming — not nourishing.
"We’ve removed lead from paint, asbestos from buildings," said Governor Newsom during the signing. "Now we’re removing poison from lunchboxes. This isn’t radical. It’s responsible."
Frequently Asked Questions
How will schools know which foods are banned?
The California Department of Public Health will publish a detailed list of prohibited ultra-processed foods by October 2027, based on scientific criteria like additive content, sugar-to-nutrient ratios, and links to chronic disease. Schools will receive updated procurement guidelines and approved vendor lists to ensure compliance.
Will students still get enough calories and protein?
Yes. The law doesn’t reduce meal standards — it improves them. Whole grains, legumes, lean meats, eggs, dairy, fruits, and vegetables will replace processed items. Studies show that replacing ultra-processed foods with whole foods actually increases nutrient density, helping students stay fuller longer and perform better academically — without needing extra calories.
What happens if a school doesn’t comply?
Non-compliance could result in reduced state funding for meal programs. The Department of Education will audit school menus annually starting in 2028. First-time violations trigger technical support and training. Repeated failures may lead to financial penalties, but the state’s priority is helping districts succeed, not punishing them.
Could this law be challenged in court?
Food industry groups may try, but legal experts say the state has strong grounds. Courts have consistently upheld California’s authority to regulate food safety in public institutions. The law is narrowly tailored to protect children’s health — not to ban all processed foods — and includes a clear, science-based standard, making it harder to overturn.
How does this affect families at home?
Many parents report that when schools serve healthier meals, kids start preferring real food at home. Teachers have noticed fewer afternoon crashes and improved focus. This law could shift cultural norms — just like smoking bans changed attitudes in public spaces. Families may find themselves buying fewer packaged snacks and more whole ingredients, simply because kids have learned what real food tastes like.
Will this law influence other states?
Almost certainly. California’s past food laws — from trans fat bans to universal school meals — became national models. Legislators in at least seven states have already requested copies of AB 1264’s language. If student health improves and costs stay manageable, expect similar bills in 2026 and 2027, especially in states with strong public health advocacy networks.
