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Building on California’s leadership in health and nutrition, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to combat the adverse health impacts of synthetic food dyes and expand access to affordable, healthy foods. The initiative targets “ultra-processed foods,” which are associated with chronic health conditions, and underscores California’s commitment to fostering a healthier future for its residents.
“The food we eat shouldn’t make us sick or lead to lifelong health consequences,” Governor Newsom stated. “California has long been a leader in creating healthy school meals and removing harmful chemicals from food. We will work with industry, consumers, and experts to reduce the risks posed by ultra-processed foods and create a healthier future for every Californian.”
The executive order directs state agencies to take decisive actions to address the growing health risks associated with ultra-processed foods and harmful additives. Key measures include providing recommendations to mitigate these risks, continuing research into the adverse effects of synthetic food dyes, and developing strategies to reduce consumption of soda, candy, and other processed products with synthetic additives. Additionally, the order calls for exploring requirements for Medi-Cal Managed Care plans and hospitals to invest in fresh, healthy foods to combat “food deserts.” It also emphasizes identifying opportunities to exceed federal standards for healthy school meals and expanding universal school meal programs through innovative partnerships and updated standards.
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom commended the initiative for its potential to create lasting change. “By connecting the dots between whole foods, mental wellness, and strong cognition, we are creating an environment where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential,” she said. The measures aim to build a healthier future by addressing systemic issues in nutrition and ensuring access to wholesome, affordable meals for all Californians, particularly children.
The initiative comes as alarming health trends emerge nationwide. According to the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, 73% of U.S. adults aged 20 and older are overweight or obese, while 38% of children aged 12 to 19 are prediabetic. Studies from the NIH and CDC link healthy eating to lower risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.
California has pioneered efforts to improve school meals, recognizing that children consume most of their daily nutrition at school. Research highlights that healthy school meals boost attendance, academic performance, and long-term health outcomes.
California was the first state to implement a Universal Meals Program, ensuring all public TK-12 students receive two free meals daily. In 2023, California adopted President Biden’s federal guidelines to reduce sugar and salt in school meals and established a mechanism to maintain those standards. Additionally, California launched the innovative Farm to School initiative, connecting local farms to schools to provide nutritious, locally sourced meals.
California has implemented key nutrition policies to promote healthier school environments, including a ban on sodas across K-12 campuses and restrictions on caffeine availability for all grade levels, exceeding federal standards. The state also requires school entrees to adhere to strict limits on calories, fat, and trans fat, ensuring meals meet higher nutritional benchmarks. Additionally, a sugar limit for non-dairy milk is set to take effect in 2025, further solidifying California’s commitment to improving student health through better dietary standards.
California’s legislature has enacted bold measures to enhance nutrition and reduce food-related risks. AB 2316 prohibits schools from serving foods with synthetic dyes linked to health issues, while AB 418 bans harmful additives such as Red Dye No. 3 and Titanium Dioxide in food products. AB 660 standardizes food safety date labels to minimize waste, and AB 518 improves CalFresh enrollment through better data collection. To address food access, AB 2033 requires college campuses to accept SNAP/EBT cards at food stores, and AB 2786 establishes certified mobile farmers’ markets, expanding access to fresh produce across the state.
