Newsom issues executive order to crack down on ultra-processed foods, food coloring

California takes a stand against ultra-processed foods and food coloring.

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Friday aimed at cracking down on ultra-processed foods and investigating the adverse health effects of synthetic food dyes, as well as increasing access to healthy, affordable foods.

“The food we eat should not make us sick or cause lifelong consequences,” Newsom said in a statement. “California has been a leader for years in creating healthy, delicious school meals and eliminating harmful ingredients and chemicals from food.”

The order also requires state departments to notify Newsom’s team by April about potential actions to limit the sale of these foods, such as requiring warning labels on certain unhealthy foods.

“We will work with industry, consumers and experts to crack down on ultra-processed foods and create a healthier future for every Californian,” Newsom said.

This order adds to the state’s efforts to ban additives found in junk food.