Newsom Signs Executive Order to Crack Down on California’s Consumption of Soda, Candy, and Processed Foods

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order targeting the state’s consumption of soda, candy, and certain processed foods. The order directs state agencies to recommend measures to reduce the harms of processed foods and investigate food dyes and ingredients posing health risks.

In his announcement, Newsom stated:

“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 outlines several objectives for state entities, including:

1. Recommendations to the Governor’s Office: Develop potential actions to mitigate risks associated with ultra-processed foods and harmful food ingredients.

2. Investigate Synthetic Food Dyes: Continue researching the adverse health impacts of synthetic dyes.

3. Promote Healthier Purchases: Recommend actions to reduce the consumption of soda, candy, and other ultra-processed foods containing synthetic dyes or additives.

4. Enhance Access to Healthy Foods: Explore the feasibility of directing Medi-Cal Managed Care and hospitals to invest in initiatives that expand access to fresh, healthy foods, combat “food deserts,” and improve local public health.

5. Adopt Higher Standards for School Meals: Identify opportunities where California can surpass federal standards for healthy school meals.

6. Strengthen Universal School Food Programs: Develop new standards and partnerships to further protect and expand these programs.

California’s actions under Governor Newsom’s leadership include:

• Banning sodas on K-12 campuses.

• Restricting caffeine at all grade levels, exceeding federal standards that permit caffeine in high schools.

• Implementing stricter standards for calories, total fat, and trans fat in school meals, surpassing federal requirements.

• Proposing a sugar limit on non-dairy milk, anticipated to take effect in 2025.

These measures reflect the state’s continued push for healthier food standards and align with broader efforts to limit processed and sugary products in schools and communities.