California Pioneers New Standards: Defining ‘Ultra-Processed Foods’ to Revolutionize School Lunches

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California has taken a bold step by being the first state to define “ultra-processed foods.” This could reshape what children eat in schools and might inspire changes across the nation.

Recently, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the “Real Food, Healthy Kids Act.” This law requires state officials to work with scientists and create a list of what makes food ultra-processed. Ingredients like artificial dyes, sweeteners, and unhealthy fats will be included. The aim is to remove these items from school lunches in the coming years.

Bernadette Del Chiaro from the Environmental Working Group, which supported the bill, believes our kids shouldn’t have more chemicals on their lunch trays than in a chemistry lab. Many of these additives are approved without thorough safety tests.

By 2028, California will have its definition of ultra-processed foods finalized. Schools will start reporting what they serve, and by 2032, these ingredients must be entirely gone from meals.

Currently, about 60% of calories consumed by American children come from ultra-processed foods. This trend has contributed to rising obesity and health issues, according to Del Chiaro. She claims these additives are designed to make us crave more food, especially when combined with fat, sugar, or salt, which makes them hard to resist.

This law could lead to significant changes. California serves over a billion meals each year in public schools, meaning its buying power can influence national food vendors. As Del Chiaro puts it, when California makes a move, it impacts other states, and this could result in healthier food options for children everywhere.

Some food manufacturers have raised concerns about increased costs and complications for schools, but many public schools and local farmers support the law. They see it as a chance to provide fresh fruits and vegetables instead of packaged meals. Importantly, California already offers free school meals to all public school students, which means these changes could affect millions.

In a time when health awareness is crucial, this law is a big step toward better nutrition. As Del Chiaro noted, it will lead to healthier kids who learn better, and raise awareness about what we eat.

For more on food standards and regulations, check the [U.S. FDA](https://www.fda.gov/). They provide insights into food safety and nutrition guidelines.

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