We reported, not long ago, that California was readying new laws mandating clearer labelling of UPFs. Governor Gavin Newsom has now signed a whole bundle of bills designed to protect the health of Californians – especially kids…
The UPF labelling bill was among an extensive portfolio of measures enacted earlier this month un-der Newsom’s signature. The overall thrust is to better inform Californians about the risks to their health that UPFs pose. And,ultimately, to reduce the cost of health care associated with the ills UPFs can trigger.
Broad scope
Newsom (pictured top of page) signed legislation advancing California’s nation-leading holistic healthcare strategy, taking on ultra-processed foods, high-sugar content, and Big Tobacco – and making healthier foods and products easier to identify and access. According to the official news release, the package is the latest enhancement to, “California’s nation-leading holistic healthcare framework.”
“We should be about healthcare, not sick-care, recognizing that preventing illnesses is far preferable to finding — and affording — treatments,” Newsom said. “It’s why California is focused on making whole, healthy foods as accessible as possible, why we’re making healthier choices easier.
“California has never been afraid to challenge the status quo, and we’ll keep innovating, trying new things, and clearing the way for the rest of the country to follow.”
The issues…
The new legislation addresses several key issues including:
- Making whole, healthier foods easier to find – by creating a label for non-ultraprocessed foods (UPFs), empowering consumers with clear, front-of-package information and improved access to healthier options through strategic, in-store placement.
- Helping families make informed decisions about their health – by requiring that chain restaurants offer one children’s meal meeting a minimum nutrition standard
- Keeping harmful substances out of kids’ hands – by banning the sale of over-the-counter diet pills or dietary supplements for weight loss or muscle building to anyone under 18 years of age.
- Supporting California’s nation-leading Farm to School program – to fuel local agriculture and grow healthier kids.
A bi-partisan thrust
“While Washington D.C. is paralyzed by inaction, Republicans and Democrats in California are joining forces to empower consumers to avoid harmful ultra-processed foods,” State Assembly Member Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) said. “Like the USDA Organic label, this new seal will provide consumers with clear, trustworthy information.”
“Parents shouldn’t need a PhD in chemistry to understand what they’re feeding their kids. California began this movement three years ago by banning the most dangerous food additives, and with Governor Newsom’s continued leadership we are taking another big step forward today.”
My take
California has been a US national leader in social legislation for decades – starting with Governor Jerry Brown in 1974.
Action by the predominantly Democratic administrations has often spurred other states and the US federal government to follow the Cali’s example.
There’s talk that Newsom will seek the Democratic Party Presidential Nomination for the 2028 elect-ion. There’s also talk that the Democrats are likely to take control of the US Senate – and possibly even the House of Representatives – in next month’s mid-term vote.
With all the climate change ills and economic issues his country is facing, it would be interesting to see how ‘President’ Newsom would tackle them…
~ Maggie J.