- California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to address health risks associated with ultra-processed foods and synthetic food dyes.
- State agencies will provide recommendations to limit health risks from harmful ingredients and continue investigating the adverse health impacts of synthetic food dyes.
- The order aims to reduce the purchase of unhealthy foods among CalFresh Program recipients and encourage the purchase of fresh, nutritious food.
- Medi-Cal Managed Care plans and Hospital Community Benefit funds will increase access to healthy foods in underserved areas, combatting "food deserts."
- The executive order seeks to improve school nutrition standards and expand universal school food programs to eliminate food insecurity and provide healthier meal options for students.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order (EO) to address the rising health risks associated with ultra-processed foods and synthetic food dyes in California.
The executive order, which is a continuation of the state's commitment to combat chronic diseases linked to poor diet, directs state agencies to take several measures to promote healthier living and reduce the consumption of harmful ingredients.
It includes recommendations on ultra-processed foods and harmful ingredients: According to the order, state entities will provide advice on actions to limit the health risks associated with ultra-processed foods and food ingredients known to pose risks, such as synthetic dyes. It also indicated that the California Department of Public Health will continue its research into the adverse health impacts of synthetic food dyes, which have been linked to behavioral and developmental issues in children.
The said order also aims to reduce the purchase of unhealthy, ultra-processed foods such as soda and candy by recipients of the CalFresh Program, while encouraging the purchase of fresh, nutritious food. Medi-Cal Managed Care plans and Hospital Community Benefit funds will be used to increase access to healthy foods in underserved areas and combat "food deserts" across the state.
The EO also seeks to identify areas where California can exceed national standards for school meals, ensuring students have access to healthier, more nutritious options. and explores new partnerships and standards aimed at expanding access to school meal programs for all students, furthering efforts to eliminate food insecurity.
"The food we eat shouldn’t make us sick with disease or lead to lifelong consequences. California has been a leader for years in creating healthy and delicious school meals and removing harmful ingredients and chemicals from food," Newsom stated. "We're going to work with the industry, consumers and experts to crack down on ultra-processed foods and create a healthier future for every Californian." (Related: Ultra-processed foods: How bad are they for your health?)
California is set to prioritize health and nutrition for all kids
The initiative aligns with findings from the latest 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Report, which highlights troubling trends: 73 percent of U.S. adults 20 years of age and older are overweight or obese and nearly 40 percent of children and youth between 12 and 19 years old are pre-diabetic.
Additionally, the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have highlighted the connection between healthy eating and a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other chronic health conditions.
"Through today's executive order, we're making a decisive and transformative commitment to further California's work to prioritize health and nutrition as fundamental building blocks for thriving communities," stated First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. "By connecting the dots between whole food, mental wellness and strong cognition, we are creating an environment where every child has the opportunity to realize their full potential. This is a powerful move towards health, equity, and a California for all kids."
Check out FoodScience.news to learn more about the dangers of ultra-processed foods.
Watch this video lamenting the fact that ads for junk food are everywhere online, hooking kids into eating unhealthy food products.
This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.
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