California's proposed bill AB 1264 aims to phase out harmful ultra-processed foods from school meals by 2032. This legislation mandates state scientists to identify these foods based on scientific research linking them to various health issues. Supporters argue that the bill addresses health concerns for students, while critics, including food banks and industry representatives, claim it could jeopardize healthy and culturally significant food options. Concerns about the broad definition of ultra-processed foods and potential impacts on Black communities and small businesses in food deserts have been raised.
The bill, AB 1264, would task state scientists with identifying particularly harmful ultra-processed foods based on scientific research linking them to cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, neurological or behavioral issues, and other health harms for phase out by 2032.
We still share significant concerns that the bill's definition of ultra-processed food is overly broad, said Scott Korinke, representing Californians for Affordable Food, an industry coalition opposing the bill.
In a column for the Los Angeles Sentinel, Jay King, president and CEO of the California Black Chamber of Commerce, said the bill will hurt Black communities and small, Black-owned businesses in the states, which are disproportionately located in food deserts.
Our public schools should not be serving students ultra-processed food products filled with chemical additives that can harm their physical and mental health and interfere with their ability to learn.
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