In a landmark move aimed at reshaping school nutrition, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation that will ban ultraprocessed foods from school meals across the state by 2035. The measure, the first of its kind in the nation, was formally enacted at a signing ceremony held at Belvedere Middle School in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles.

The new law mandates a gradual phase-out of ultraprocessed foods in public school cafeterias, focusing specifically on eliminating harmful ingredients commonly found in these items. With over one billion meals served annually in California’s public schools, the initiative represents a sweeping effort to address student health and nutrition.

The legislation was authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, a Democrat from Encino, who emphasized the broader implications of the bill. According to Gabriel, the law is not a blanket prohibition on foods but rather a targeted effort to remove ingredients that pose health risks to children. “This is about protecting kids from chemicals and additives that have no place in their meals,” he said, noting that the law could become a model for other states.

The decision comes against the backdrop of growing concern over childhood obesity and diet-related health issues. Data shows that one in five children in California is classified as obese—a statistic that health experts link in part to the widespread availability of ultraprocessed foods in school settings.

Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, voiced strong support for the legislation, highlighting the dangers of certain processed items. She noted that ultraprocessed foods are aggressively marketed to children and often contain additives associated with negative health outcomes. “These products are designed to be hyper-palatable and low-cost, but they come at a steep cost to children’s long-term health,” Stoiber said.

Under the new law, schools will have until 2035 to fully comply with the ban, allowing time to transition to healthier alternatives and adjust procurement practices. The California Department of Public Health is expected to play a key role in guiding implementation and ensuring that district meal programs meet the new standards.

As the first state in the U.S. to enact such a policy, California is positioning itself at the forefront of school nutrition reform. While the law is still years from full implementation, supporters see it as a crucial first step in creating a healthier food environment for millions of students.

For now, the state will begin laying the groundwork for enforcement, with further guidance expected from public health officials in the coming months.