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California has always been on the forefront of protecting the health of its citizens, from banning products containing cancer causing agents to now banning ultra processed foods, which California will define as foods rich in fats, sodium, sugar, and more. On October 8th, Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, signed The Real Food, Healthy Kids Act into action, banning “ultra-processed foods” and “restricted school foods” from being served in California schools to children K-12. Through this bill, the State Department of Public Health and the State Department of Education plan to work together to bring about the gradual ban of defined ultra-processed foods. The act defines “ultra-processed foods” as foods with high quantities of saturated fats, sodium, or sugars/sugar substitutes and/or foods with one or more additives such as emulsifiers. While these high quantities have been shown to harm children’s health, the new definition means that many cereals, yogurts, and other common foods that schools serve to children will be considered ultra-processed foods. California, as the first state to take such measures on school lunches, will find itself facing major impacts as a result of this bill.
What’s so bad about sodium and additives anyway?
Many foods given to children throughout schools in California contain large amounts of fats, sodium, and sugars. Sodium specifically has been shown to have drastic effects on the body’s systems. In fact, the average American intakes about 3400 milligrams of sodium in a day, 900 milligrams higher than the recommended amount by the American Heart Association. The increase in sodium in American diets is scary, especially considering the way it will impact children and their lives. Increased salt intake is shown to cause heart issues, kidney disease, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, stomach cancer, and more. It’s almost unfathomable that something like increased intake of sodium can put children at risk for deadly conditions. Furthermore, high quantities of saturated fats, which can be found in foods like butter or cheese, can put children at higher risk of heart disease. In processed foods and even baked goods, it is not uncommon to find a list of additives, some of which are banned in other countries but still present in the US. The Cleveland Clinic advises strongly against taking such additives and lists additives like Sulfites and MSG as harmful additions that can cause elevated blood pressure and colorectal cancer. Many additives are shown to be carcinogens, meaning they increase the risk of or cause cancer, and are shown to cause obesity, gut, neurobehavioral, and other issues. Literally, cancer is life altering and for any child or student to face cancer at such a young age just because their school lunch gave them a certain cereal every day is a clear sign that policy needs to take action. By defining “ultra-processed foods” with high quantities of these components, California is able to do just this : prevent its children from being at higher risks of heart issues or other systemic failures and diseases that may affect their growth and future.
How is California going to be affected by its bill?
Because the bill defines ultra processed foods with common components that are found in so many foods, it’s hard for companies to completely change their products to match the bill. The Consumer Brands Association argued just this. The association represents US food and beverage manufacturers and argued that food companies likely won’t be able to change their recipes for the bill and even if they do it’ll likely increase the cost for schools. Although the bill works in phases, 2028 being when foods will be flagged under the definition, and 2035 being when ultra processed foods will completely stop being consumed by Californian school children, the gradual ban is still stated as not enough time for companies to make changes. However, regardless of these food companies, California seems determined to make a change in the lives of children. After the Morgan Hill unified school district moved majorly away from the ultra processed foods, they’ve been making scratch or semi-homemade foods that are healthier and more nutritious for the students than a sugary cereal box in the morning. By making this change to their diets, children will be able to get more important nutrients, vitamins, and intakes such as protein and fiber to help their bodies grow strong and healthy. The bill will help children with the same effect, keeping them safe from being prone to developing health conditions later in their life, and giving them proper nutrition that will help support their development and growth, physically and neurologically.
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