In an apparent move to align with the Make America Healthy Again movement, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on Friday to limit access to ultra-processed foods.
The U.S. allows over 10,000 chemicals in food compared to 330 in the European Union and around 500 in Canada.
The order also commands California agencies to further study the harms of other chemicals in candy, soda, and other foods in the California school food program.
Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), signaling a shift in health policy away from establishment practices.
Kennedy already vowed last November that the incoming administration would ban fluoride from public water—something that Canada hasn’t done but has regulated amounts to a national average of 0.12 mg/L.
Kennedy faced media scrutiny during the pandemic for criticizing vaccines in general, including COVID-19 vaccines, chlorine in public water supplies, processed foods, and other government policies that contribute to the dire health situation for millions of Americans.
Newsom, who is often rumored to be a potential nominee in future Democratic presidential bids, has since adjusted his policy on health at a time when MAGA Republicans are leading the federal political bodies.
The timing of this change could very well be a political attempt by Newsom to extend an olive branch to citizens concerned about American food regulations, many of whom are Republican.
