California passed AB 1264, called the Real Food, Healthy Kids Act, which introduced the first legal definition of ultra-processed foods (UPF) in the US.[1][2][5] Signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 8, 2025, it provides for the phase-out of the most harmful UPFs from school meals.[1][4][8] The law excludes raw materials, minimally processed foods, 1st class milk, infant formula or alcoholic beverages from the definition of UPF.[2][4][8] The Office of Environmental Health Hazards (OEHHA), in cooperation with the Office of Public Health, must adopt regulations on categories of harmful UPFs by July 1, 2026.[2][5] Schools will begin phasing out July 1, 2029, with a full ban by July 1, 2035.[2][4][6] Suppliers must report product composition, nutritional information and classification as UPF annually starting February 1, 2028.[5] The law follows previous bans on harmful additives in food and school meals.[1][8]