How does CA AB 1264 classify food items?

In September 2025, California’s legislature enacted Assembly Bill 1264, a significant step in food safety and school nutrition. This pioneering law establishes a clear definition of ultra-processed food (UPF), incorporating both nutritional and chemical safety considerations. To help navigate the implications of this new legislation, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has created a decision tree outlining how foods will be classified under this law.