California boldly steps forward to protect children’s health with a groundbreaking bill that removes ultra-processed foods from school lunches. Assembly Bill 1264 would, if passed, create a phased-in ban on foods considered “particularly harmful,” culminating in a total ban by the year 2032.
Democratic Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel has introduced the bill in light of increasing evidence that ultra-processed foods filled with artificial chemicals are injurious to the aforementioned.
Consumption of these foods exacerbates the risk of diabetes, heart ailments, cognitive issues, and even mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, as per certain studies.
“Those ultra-processed food products that are bad for students’ health and minds should not be available in our schools,” said Gabriel.
At home, over half of one’s calorie consumption is derived from ultra-processed food, which includes chips, candies, soft drinks, and instant noodles. Ultra-processed foods are basically addictive, with ingredients which are difficult to pronounce-and hence are more consumed.
The law will require California state experts to identify the most dangerous ultra-processed foods and propose healthier alternatives for schools. This could entail pressuring food manufacturers to reformulate their products or getting rid of certain brands of granola bars.
Ashley Gearhardt from the University of Michigan discloses that these meals are especially harmful to small children as they affect the brain signals which control their hunger.
These long-term health concerns are further buttressed by Gabriel’s campaign regarding the impact of processed foods over a person’s lifetime.
If success comes to California, it may change school nutrition across the United States by setting an example for the rest of the states to follow.
