California Bill: AB 1264
Phasing Out Ultraprocessed Foods in California Schools
Topics
Bill Information
Summary
Bill Summary
California AB 1264, known as the Real Food, Healthy Kids Act, establishes a framework to phase out ultraprocessed foods from California schools by requiring the State Department of Public Health to define restricted school foods by June 1, 2028, with schools beginning phaseout by July 1, 2029, and achieving complete prohibition by July 1, 2032. The bill mandates that food vendors report detailed nutritional information annually and submit data on products sold, allowing transparent tracking of what foods are available to students. The legislation defines ultraprocessed foods of concern based on specific additives and high levels of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar, considering links to serious health conditions including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. Schools and vendors will have time to transition away from these products while the state develops clear nutritional standards and monitoring systems.
Why It Matters to MAHA
MAHA strongly supports this bill because it embodies core principles of health freedom and patient autonomy by empowering parents and schools to make informed choices about what children consume. The transparency requirements, which mandate vendors disclose detailed nutritional information and product quantities, directly align with MAHA's commitment to transparency in healthcare and food systems so families can understand exactly what is being offered to their children. The bill removes regulatory barriers that have allowed ultraprocessed foods to dominate school cafeterias unchecked, instead establishing clear standards that prioritize whole foods and genuine nutrition over corporate convenience. By giving schools the autonomy to transition away from harmful food products rather than imposing immediate bans, the legislation respects institutional flexibility while moving toward healthier outcomes. This represents a win for health freedom because it trusts educators, parents, and vendors to align with better nutritional practices when given clear guidance and transparency.
Introduced
09/08/2025
In Committee
09/09/2025
Enacted
10/08/2025
Sponsors
Jesse Gabriel
Democratic Assemblymember (CA)
Dawn Addis
Democratic Assemblymember (CA)
Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Democratic Assemblymember (CA)
Marc Berman
Democratic Assemblymember (CA)