Overview

• AB 1264 creates California’s first statutory definition of ultra-processed foods, covering items high in saturated fat, added sugar or sodium that also contain additives such as colors, flavors, emulsifiers or thickeners.
• The California Department of Public Health, in partnership with University of California experts, must identify “UPFs of concern” and “restricted school foods” and adopt regulations by June 1, 2028.
• Vendors must begin annual reporting on school food sales by February 1, 2028; schools must start phasing out targeted items by July 1, 2029; vendors are barred from offering them by July 1, 2032; schools are prohibited from serving them by July 1, 2035.
• Supporters cite CDC data on rising prediabetes among teens and research linking UPFs to obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, while business groups warn of costs and reduced product availability for schools.
• The new law builds on California’s earlier bans on certain food additives and a January executive order on UPFs, reinforcing the state’s leadership on school nutrition policy.