In a landmark move for school nutrition, California has passed new legislation that will phase out ultra-processed foods from public-school breakfasts and lunches: the state’s health department will define “foods of concern” by 2028, schools must start coming into compliance by July 2029, vendors will be banned from supplying the flagged items by 2032, and a full ban is set for 2035. The reform builds on California’s earlier efforts to eliminate synthetic food dyes in school meals and reflects a growing national focus on improving child health through diet.
