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…