Overview
- Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1264, establishing the nation’s first statutory definition of ultra-processed foods and a phased removal from public school menus through 2035.
- The Department of Public Health must finalize regulations by June 1, 2028, with schools beginning phaseouts by July 1, 2029, vendors barred from offering targeted products by July 1, 2032, and full school prohibitions by July 1, 2035.
- CDPH, working with University of California experts and OEHHA, will identify “UPFs of concern” and “restricted school foods” based on additives, nonnutritive sweeteners, and high levels of saturated fat, sodium, or added sugars, as well as links to health harms.
- Implementation includes vendor reporting starting February 1, 2028, and annual state updates to the Legislature to track sales, classify products, and recommend strategies to reduce UPF exposure.
- Supporters cite potential health benefits and nationwide reformulation ripple effects, while business groups warn of reduced choices and uncertain costs for districts as California builds on prior additive bans and a recent executive order.