Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee reports 73% of U.S. adults are overweight or obese, with 38 percent of youth ages 12 to 19 prediabetic
– Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on Thursday directing California state agencies to develop recommendations to limit the health risks associated with ultra-processed foods and synthetic food dyes. The order also seeks to expand access to affordable, healthy food options and address the impact of chronic illnesses on Californians.
“The food we eat shouldn’t make us sick with disease or lead to lifelong consequences,” said Newsom. “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 order directs state agencies to:
- Recommend actions to limit the harms of ultra-processed foods and food ingredients posing health risks.
- Investigate the health impacts of synthetic food dyes.
- Propose strategies to reduce the purchase of soda, candy, and other ultra-processed foods while incentivizing healthy food purchases through the CalFresh program.
- Assess requiring Medi-Cal Managed Care plans and California hospitals to use community funds to enhance access to fresh foods and mitigate food deserts.
- Identify areas where California can adopt higher standards for healthy school meals than federal guidelines.
- Explore new partnerships and standards to expand universal school food programs.