AB 1264 - Concerns with Ultra Processed Food Classifications
Assembly Bill 1264 (Gabriel) seeks to address public health concerns by classifying food into two categories: Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) or not. It further requires the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) to review UPF products and determine whether they should be labeled as Particularly Harmful UPF (PHUPF). Foods classified as PHUPF would be prohibited from being served in schools. Under the bill, any food containing one or more ingredients from nine categories approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration—such as surface finishers, emulsifiers or flavor enhancers—would be considered UPF.
While AB 1264 aims to improve public health by reducing UPF consumption, it could unintentionally harm California farmers by lowering demand for crops tied to these products, disrupting supply chains and imposing costly transitions. Any legislation must consider the ripple effects on agriculture, support farmers in adapting to changes and use science-based standards in food classification. California Farm Bureau opposes the bill unless amended and will continue working with its agricultural coalition to reduce its impact. Staff Contact: Chris Reardon, creardon@cfbf.com
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