California’s Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order to continue the investigation on the health effects of synthetic food dyes and enhance access to affordable, healthy foods.
According to the Governor, ultra-processed foods pose a health risk to individuals, and the current order supports healthy living and reduces the growing impact of chronic illnesses.
The order directs state entities to continue investigating the health impacts of synthetic food dyes and limit the use of ultra-processed foods and food ingredients that pose a health risk.
Evaluate the feasibility of Medi-Cal Managed Care plans and California hospitals using their community funds to enhance access to fresh, healthy foods and promote public health.
Also, explore new ways to adopt better standards for healthy school meals than national standards and develop new partnerships to further expand universal school food programs.
Governor Gavin Newsom said: “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.”
According to the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee report, 73% of US adults above 20 years are overweight, and 38% of children and adolescents are prediabetic.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Centres for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) also identified the link between healthy eating and risk for chronic health conditions.
The research shows that children eat the majority of their meals at school, and healthy school meals result in better attendance, academic performance and improved health.
The Governor said that California already exceeds federal standards for food safety in schools, with low intake of sugars, sodium, and more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Also, the state was the first to implement a statewide Universal Meals Programme for schoolchildren, providing all public TK-12 students with two free meals per school day.
In 2023, California also became the first state to codify President Biden’s new federal guidelines on school nutrition standards to lower sugar and salt usage in school meals.
California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom also championed efforts to develop the California Farm to School initiative, which works in tandem with universal school meals.
Siebel Newsom said: “Through today’s executive order, we’re making a decisive and transformative commitment to further California’s work to prioritise 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 realise their full potential. This is a powerful move towards health, equity, and a California for ALL Kids.”
