Trending Now - New Initiative Targets Health Risks of Ultra-processed Foods
WHO:
Dr. Michele Arthurs, lifestyle medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente
Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel, California legislator
Calley Means, senior advisor for the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative
Gov. Gavin Newsom, Governor of California
Dr. Jeffrey Kraft, bariatric surgeon at Hackensack Meridian Palisades Medical Center
Andrew Gruel, California-based chef
WHAT:
A report from the American College of Cardiology found that people consuming more than nine servings of ultra-processed food daily are 67% more likely to experience heart attacks, strokes, or die from heart disease compared to those consuming one serving daily.
Each additional serving of ultra-processed food increases the risk of heart-related events by more than 5%, and by more than 6% among Black Americans.
California Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel introduced legislation, AB 2244, to establish a "California Certified" seal for non-ultra-processed foods.
The legislation requires grocery stores to display products with the seal in high-traffic areas.
The bill aims to provide a market-based solution to address the dangers of ultra-processed foods without banning any products.
The findings from the American College of Cardiology study are based on data from over 6,800 U.S. adults and are presented at the ACC’s Annual Scientific Session from March 28th to March 30th, 2026.
WHERE:
New Orleans, Louisiana, where the ACC’s Annual Scientific Session is being held.
California, where the legislation AB 2244 is being proposed.
WHEN:
The ACC’s Annual Scientific Session is scheduled for March 28th to March 30th, 2026.
The bill AB 2244 was introduced on March 25th, 2026.
WHY:
The initiative aims to combat health risks associated with ultra-processed foods, which often contain preservatives, additives, and high levels of sugar, salt, or fat.
Jesse Gabriel stated that "Parents shouldn’t need a Ph.D. in chemistry to understand what they’re feeding their kids."
HOW:
The proposed "California Certified" seal will be placed on products that meet standards for not being ultra-processed foods.
The legislation allows for voluntary participation by manufacturers to qualify for the seal.
(UPDATED March 28, 2026 13:18 UTC)
A new report from the American College of Cardiology reveals that consuming more than nine servings of ultra-processed food daily increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, or death from heart disease by 67% compared to those who eat just one serving. In response to these alarming findings, California Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel introduced legislation, AB 2244, which aims to create a "California Certified" seal for non-ultra-processed foods, requiring grocery stores to prominently display these products. The initiative, discussed at the ACC’s Annual Scientific Session in New Orleans, seeks to help consumers make healthier choices without banning any products, as Gabriel emphasized that parents shouldn't need a Ph.D. in chemistry to understand what they’re feeding their kids.