Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order aimed at addressing the health risks associated with ultra-processed foods and synthetic food dyes. The directive instructs state agencies to propose actions that could mitigate these risks and improve access to healthy, affordable food options.

In a statement, Governor Newsom emphasized California's commitment to promoting health through better nutrition: “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. 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.”

The executive order calls for recommendations on limiting harmful food ingredients, continuing research into synthetic food dyes' effects, reducing consumption of soda and candy, enhancing access to fresh foods in "food deserts," adopting higher standards for school meals than those set nationally, and exploring new partnerships for universal school meal programs.

Jennifer Siebel Newsom commented on the initiative's broader implications: “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. 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.”

Recent findings by the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee highlight significant public health concerns: 73% of U.S. adults over 20 are overweight or obese; 38% of youth aged 12-19 are prediabetic. These statistics underscore the importance of healthy eating in preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

California continues its leadership in school nutrition by providing two free meals daily through its Universal Meals Program. The state exceeds federal guidelines by reducing sugar and salt content in school meals. Additional measures include bans on sodas at K-12 campuses and restrictions on caffeine consumption.

Several legislative actions have been taken recently: AB 2316 prohibits synthetic dye additives linked to health issues; AB 660 standardizes date labels on foods; AB 418 bans certain harmful substances like Red Dye No.3; AB 518 aims at increasing CalFresh enrollment; AB 1830 mandates folic acid fortification in corn masa products; AB 2033 encourages SNAP/EBT acceptance at college campuses; AB 2786 establishes certified mobile farmer’s markets.