California tackles synthetic food dyes and additives with Gov. Newsom’s most recent executive order
California – California Governor Gavin Newsom has moved to encourage better eating habits and address the negative consequences of ultra-processed food by issuing an executive order meant to lower the intake of synthetic food colors and other dangerous food additives. This somewhat aggressive move by the governor is built on the state’s dedication to improve public health and nutrition standards as it’s believed that this program guarantees Californians have access to better food options.
Focusing specifically on the risks presented by ultra-processed foods, which are connected to a range of health problems including chronic diseases, Governor Newsom’s latest executive order asks for a thorough assessment and reform of food safety regulations. The executive order requires state agencies to provide strategic proposals aiming at reducing these risks and increasing access to affordable, healthy meals.
Under the new structure, specific duties have been assigned to state agencies. Their responsibilities include guiding on minimizing detrimental ultra-processed meals and substances, ongoing research on the health effects of synthetic food dyes, and policy recommendations to lower the use of unhealthy products including candy and soda.
In addition to this, under investigation is the possibility of mandating health-centric expenditure from Medi-Cal Managed Care plans and California hospitals, with an eye toward reducing the impact of food deserts and thus improving public health at a local level.
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The program also aims to find opportunities for California’s school meals to be adopted with greater nutrition criteria than those set at the national level. On the agenda is also investigating new criteria and alliances to safeguard and improve universal school food programs.
“The food we eat shouldn’t make us sick with disease or lead to lifelong consequences. 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,” Gov. Newsom wrote in a news release.
Recent data from the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, which highlighted major national health issues related to eating patterns, underlines the need of these actions. The survey states that a concerning 38 percent of young people between the ages of 12 and 19 are prediabetic and 73 percent of U.S. adults aged 20 and over are overweight or obese.
California’s leadership in school nutrition has raised standards generally. The state is the first to adopt a Universal Meals Program, giving every public TK-12 student access to two free meals every school day, and first to formally adopt new federal rules meant to lower sugar and salt in school meals.
Legislative actions include AB 2316, which forbids meals using dangerous synthetic dyes in schools, and AB 660, which seeks to standardize food safety labeling to lower waste, complement these dietary efforts. Other laws concentrate on everything from outlawing some harmful food additives to enhancing pregnant nutritional health.
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California keeps paving the path in public health and nutrition by imposing rigorous food safety rules and supporting access to nutritious foods, thereby aiming for a time when every person has the resources to lead better, healthier life. Reflecting California’s whole approach to public health and wellbeing, Governor Newsom’s executive order marks a major step toward reaching these targets.
