California governor cracks down on ultraprocessed foods

Gavin Newsom does not have an original thought in his brain.  The people of California pass Prop. 36 to control crime and HE takes credit for this—though he opposed it.  RFK. Jr has been pushed MAHA (Make America healthy Again) and the Hollywood Slicky now claims this effort is his.  Look up Gavin Newsom in your Funk and Wagnells and you will see the term “copycat” is his hallmark.

“California Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday issued an executive order targeting ultraprocessed foods and other food ingredients that could pose health risks to consumers. The order will require specific state agencies to recommend actions to reduce the purchase of these foods and conduct additional investigations into the dangers of synthetic food dyes.

“The food we eat shouldn’t make us sick with disease or lead to lifelong consequences,” Newsom said in a statement.

Ultraprocessed foods are products made using many manufactured ingredients, rather than natural ones. The often high-fat, high-salt, sugar-based foods often spotlight ingredients like colorings, emulsifiers, artificial flavors and sweeteners that have little or no nutritional value. The term was coined by Brazilian researchers in 2009 as part of a new food classification system.

The Democratic governor pledged to work with the food industry, consumers and experts to “crack down” on these products.”

We know that Newsom sees himself as the modern day Kennedy—too bad RFK, Jr. got there first.

California governor cracks down on ultraprocessed foods

The executive order from Governor Gavin Newsom will investigate health risks in the state’s food industry.

Matt Simons , Courthhousenews,  1/3/25  https://www.courthousenews.com/california-governor-cracks-down-on-ultraprocessed-foods/

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CN) — California Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday issued an executive order targeting ultraprocessed foods and other food ingredients that could pose health risks to consumers. The order will require specific state agencies to recommend actions to reduce the purchase of these foods and conduct additional investigations into the dangers of synthetic food dyes.

“The food we eat shouldn’t make us sick with disease or lead to lifelong consequences,” Newsom said in a statement.

Ultraprocessed foods are products made using many manufactured ingredients, rather than natural ones. The often high-fat, high-salt, sugar-based foods often spotlight ingredients like colorings, emulsifiers, artificial flavors and sweeteners that have little or no nutritional value. The term was coined by Brazilian researchers in 2009 as part of a new food classification system.

The Democratic governor pledged to work with the food industry, consumers and experts to “crack down” on these products.

Newsom’s office also proposed using Medi-Cal and hospital funds to reduce food deserts — areas where residents have limited access to affordable, healthy food options due to the absence of grocery stores. The order instructs state agencies to investigate the feasibility of such a plan.

The governor was also keen to highlight the order’s impact on schools. The move will require agencies to identify areas where the state could adopt higher standards for healthy school meals.

“By connecting the dots between whole food, mental wellness, and strong cognition, we are creating an environment where every child has the opportunity to realize their full potential,” Newsom said.

As of December, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that more than half of all calories consumed at home by U.S. adults come from ultraprocessed foods.

A different report, issued recently to federal agencies, found that 73% of U.S. adults 20 years and older are overweight or obese, while 38% of children and youth between 12 and 19 years old are prediabetic.

The National Institute of Health and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has also identified the link between healthy eating and lowering an individual’s risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions.

State Democratic lawmakers have come out in support of the bill.

“California’s bipartisan, science-based approach is a roadmap for everyone who wants to protect American consumers,” said Jesse Gabriel, an Encino Democrat. “I applaud Governor Newsom for his bold leadership and look forward to working with his Administration on additional legislative efforts.” 

Since the election, California’s top officials have made getting ahead of the incoming Trump administration a priority in several key areas, from the environment to health care.

The governor’s executive order comes only weeks after President-elect Donald Trump named Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his nominee for secretary of Health and Human Services.

The U.S. Senate still needs to confirm Kennedy, but the former environmental lawyer has already been an outspoken critic of processed foods as part of his Make America Healthy Again platform.

“MAHA’s policy focus advocates for a comprehensive national strategy to combat the chronic disease epidemic, which includes addressing the root causes such as poor diet, environmental toxins, and inadequate healthcare,” reads a description from the Make America Healthy Again website.

Kennedy has developed a long-running reputation for promoting conspiracy theories and making false health claims, including that vaccines cause autism, Wi-Fi causes cancer and chemicals in the water supply are causing more kids to identify as transgender.

If confirmed, the former presidential candidate has expressed his interest in overhauling the FDA.

An announcement by Newsom’s office framed Friday’s order alongside other legislative actions taken by Democratic assemblymembers centered on food regulation, including laws that prohibit California schools from serving and selling foods containing synthetic food dye additives linked to health issues.