Calif. to prohibit junk food marketing in schools

California last week passed a bill to ban the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages in schools.

Signed by Gov. Brown on Oct. 15, AB 841 prohibits the direct advertising of food and beverages that don’t meet the nutrition standards set by the state’s 2016 Healthy Food, Healthy Student Act to children at school and in academic incentive programs.

“Parents trying to teach their kids to eat better don’t want to compete with junk food advertising at school,” California assembly member and bill author Shirley Weber said in a statement put out by nonprofit group Public Health Advocates, which was a co-sponsor of the bill. “School years are critical in the development of life-long attitudes and behaviors contributing to an individual’s health.” 

The bill—which is the first of its kind in the country, according to PHA—is due to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2018.