Democrat Governor Issues Executive Order Targeting “Ultra-Processed Foods”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order targeting “ultra-processed foods” and “food ingredients that pose a health risk to individuals.”

“California is taking action to reduce the consumption and purchase of ultra-processed foods,” Newsom said.

“As the nation-leading state on nutrition and health standards, we’re doubling down on efforts to create a healthier future for every Californian,” he added.

California is taking action to reduce the consumption and purchase of ultra-processed foods.

As the nation-leading state on nutrition and health standards, we’re doubling down on efforts to create a healthier future for every Californian. pic.twitter.com/NQw7XjpAaO

— Governor Newsom (@CAgovernor) January 3, 2025

“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,” Newsom said.

Newsom Signs Executive Order to Crack Down on California’s Consumption of Soda, Candy, Processed Foodshttps://t.co/SulGtSWfGV pic.twitter.com/BJZ9WgSBDA

— The Gateway Pundit (@gatewaypundit) January 5, 2025

The executive order states:

Today’s executive order orders specific state entities to:

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• Provide recommendations to the Governor’s Office regarding potential action to limit the harms associated with “ultra-processed foods” and food ingredients that pose a health risk to individuals.
• Continue investigating the adverse health impacts of synthetic food dyes.
• Recommend actions to reduce the purchase of soda, candy, other ultra-processed foods and/or foods with synthetic food dye or other additives.
• Investigate the feasibility of requiring Medi-Cal Managed Care plans and California hospitals to use their Community Investment dollars and Community Benefit funds to enhance access to fresh, healthy foods, mitigate the impacts of “food deserts,” and otherwise promote public health at the local level.
• Identify areas where California may adopt higher standards for healthy school meals than national standards.
• Explore developing new standards and partnerships to further protect and expand universal school food programs.

“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,” Jennifer Siebel Newsom said.

Newsom issues order to crack down on ultra-processed foods, food dyes https://t.co/hkKz45gzpk pic.twitter.com/zTWbZv8ITI

— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) January 4, 2025

“Kennedy, a controversial anti-vaccine activist and a vocal critic of ultra-processed foods, promised to radically overhaul the country’s food system,” the Los Angeles Times noted.

The RFK Jr. effect continues!

Newsom aims to limit unhealthy food in California, getting ahead of Trump administration and RFK Jr:

“Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on Friday attempting to limit access to ultra-processed foods.”

“‘The food we eat shouldn’t make us… pic.twitter.com/XQMyxfi2z1

— End Tribalism in Politics (@EndTribalism) January 3, 2025

From the Los Angeles Times:

The move comes weeks before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office for his second term, with iconoclastic former environmental lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his nominee for secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy still needs to be confirmed by the Senate, but he has been a vocal critic of ultra-processed foods and promised to radically overhaul the country’s food system. Food dyes, pasteurized milk and seed oils are among the common items he has criticized, sometimes making health claims that are not backed up by science.

Though Newsom didn’t mention Kennedy, the Democratic governor of California is planting a preemptive flag around the issue and signaling his refusal to concede the terrain to the incoming Trump administration. His executive order included a long list of steps the state has taken to improve nutrition.

Processed foods are foods altered from their natural form, like frozen vegetables, whereas ultra — or highly —processed foods are foods that have been significantly altered from their natural state, like packaged chips or soft drinks. Ultra-processed foods make up the vast majority of the U.S. food supply, research shows.

“Part of why people want change in the food system is because the regulatory system has been very lax,” said Charlotte Biltekoff, who researches the cultural politics of food and health and serves as the Corti Endowed Professor in Food, Wine and Culture at UC Davis.

The U.S. regulatory framework is much more lenient than the framework in Europe, where many additives are banned that are still allowed in the U.S.

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