New California Ultra-Processed Foods Law May Set Table for National Wave of Regulation

Brian Sylvester spoke with Law.com about California’s new law directing regulators to develop rules by 2028 restricting ultra-processed foods of concern in K–12 schools. While the measure applies only to school settings, the article notes that it could influence broader state and federal discussions on how to define and regulate ultra-processed foods more generally. Brian commented that the California law “is best viewed as a state-level pilot in defining ‘ultra-processed foods,’ not the beginning of a nationwide restriction.” He added, “For now, the prudent course for industry is to stay engaged in both the California and federal processes and advocate for consistency and science-based criteria as this discussion evolves.”

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