01/06/2025

In New Health Initiative, California Targets Ultra-processed Foods

The initiative targets packaged snacks and sugary beverages

On Friday, California Governor Gavin Newsom 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.

Why It's Important:

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

Please select this link to read the complete article from Reuters.