California targets ultra-processed foods in new health initiative

Bengaluru: California Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday issued an executive order aiming to crack down on ultra-processed foods including packaged snacks and sugary beverages, and further investigate the health effects of synthetic food dyes.

The order directs exploring the use of public funds from California's hospitals and Medi-Cal Managed Care program to improve local access to fresh, healthy food and advance public health.

The order cites a new 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee report indicating that 73per cent of U.S. adults aged 20 and older are overweight or obese, and 38per cent of children and youth aged 12 to 19 are prediabetic.

This order follows Newsom's previous healthy food initiatives, including soda and caffeine restrictions in schools and a proposed sugar limit on non-dairy milk, set to take effect in 2025.

It comes on the heels of Department of Health and Human Services' slated lead Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s call to ban certain food additives and remove ultra-processed foods from school lunches.

"The food we eat shouldn't make us sick with disease or lead to lifelong consequences," Newsom said.

"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 California Department of Public Health and The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment must provide recommendations by April 1, 2025. (Reporting by Neil J Kanatt in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid)