Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order to Crack Down on Ultra-Processed Foods. Here’s What It Means for Disney Dining.

A new executive order from the state of California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom, may affect Disneyland food and perhaps even influence food across the nation, including Disney World.

Gavin Newsom ©(Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press)

The executive order was issued on January 3rd, 2025. The order cracks down on “ultra-processed” food, ingredients that pose a health risk to individuals, food dyes, and food additives. In the order, Governor Newsom states that, by April 1st, 2025, he wants reports back on the risks associated with these foods and additives and ways to prevent individuals from purchasing and consuming them, potentially by using warning labels on packaging. But what are ultra-processed foods, and how could this new California executive order affect your Disney vacations?

The executive order defines ultra-processed foods as “industrial formulations of chemically modified substances extracted from foods, along with additives to enhance taste, texture, appearance, and durability, with minimal to no inclusion of whole foods…that are linked to negative health outcomes.” It includes examples as “packaged snacks, chips, crackers, cookies, candy, sugary beverages, and highly processed meats like hot dogs and lunch meat.”

Pulled pork mac and cheese corn dog at Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, Disneyland Resort

The document also shares that “more than 10,000 chemicals are currently authorized for use in the United States as food or color additives or ingredients, while just over 300 food additives are currently authorized for use in the European Union.” According to the order, a systemic review by the U.S. Department of Agriculture assessed scientific evidence that “confirmed the link between consumption of ultra-processed foods and greater risks of obesity and being overweight in adults and greater risks for being overweight in children and adolescents.

The order continues to list other negative health effects that may be linked to ultra-processed foods, dyes, and additives while laying out positive effects seen from other non-processed foods.

Candy Cane Cheesecake Brownie

In California, the new executive order will begin efforts to reduce the sales of ultra-processed foods. These efforts may include adding warning labels to foods that fall into the category of ultra-processed or that include dyes and harmful additives.

Pijali Wrap from Ronto Roasters

The effects of these efforts could easily directly affect Disneyland Resort as it’s located in Anaheim, CA. If warning labels or other efforts to reduce sales become required in the state, we could start to see them on packaged snacks or the menus in the parks for foods that fall into the ultra-processed category.

Pineapple Orange Guava Tropical Float at Disneyland

So, while Disneyland may see a direct effect of this executive order, how could this affect Disney World? If California requires companies to change the way they label and package foods, it’s likely those changes will be seen all over the country. And with pledges from incoming Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr to overhaul the nation’s food system, we can reasonably expect to see some shake-up on Disney menus on both coasts.

Werther’s Original caramel candy

Changes may be coming to Disney parks on both U.S. coasts as California Governor Newsom issues an executive order cracking down on ultra-processed foods, food dyes, and food additives. We’ll be watching to see how the parks are affected and what it means for you on your trips.

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