Letter of support for SB 1033: Protein products

"Dear Chair Weber Pierson and Members of the Senate Health Committee, The Center for Science in the Public Interest and Harvard Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders are pleased to support SB 1033, which requires manufacturers of certain protein products to test for heavy metals and publicly disclose test results. Protein products, including powders and beverages, are often consumed by adults, adolescents, athletes, and families. However, a Consumer Reports investigation recently found that multiple protein powders and beverages contained detectable levels of arsenic, cadmium, and lead, some with concerningly high levels." View the resource below to keep reading.

Letter of support for AB 2030: Dietary supplements for weight loss and over-the-counter diet pills

"Dear Chair Bonta and Honorable Members of the Assembly Health Committee: The Center for Science in the Public Interest strongly supports AB 2030, which would prohibit the sale of over-the-counter diet pills and weight-loss or muscle-building dietary supplements (WL/MB supplements) to minors. These products are widely available and heavily marketed to youth, often with deceptive claims, despite limited evidence of effectiveness. They are also poorly regulated and frequently contaminated with dangerous, undisclosed ingredients. National pediatric experts warn against their use, citing serious health risks including liver damage, hospitalization, and even death. This bill represents a common-sense, urgently needed step to protect young people in California." View the resource below to keep reading.

CSPI letter of support: CDPH Budget Change Proposal (4265-140-BCP-2026-GB)

"Dear Chairs Gabriel, Addis, Laird, and Menjivar, The Center for Science in the Public Interest is writing to express our strong support for the California Department of Public Health’s Budget Change Proposal (4265-140-BCP-2026-GB), which requests funding to implement Assembly Bill 1264 (Gabriel - 2025). AB 1264 is a first-of-its-kind law that enshrines a definition of ultra-processed food, or UPF, that integrates nutritional concerns and comprehensively captures chemical safety concerns. It then directs the California Department of Public Health to use that definition to further define “UPF of concern,” which will be phased out of schools. The department’s regulations identifying UPFs of concern will be guided by a rigorous examination of reputable, peer-reviewed scientific evidence." View the resource below to keep reading.

Letter of support for Food safety: unsafe additives and ingredient disclosures bill (Assemblymember Addis)

The undersigned organizations and individuals support AB 2034, a bill that will promote transparency and safety in the food system. This is essential given the longstanding failure by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to effectively fulfill its mandate to protect consumers from unsafe and poorly tested food chemicals. AB 2034 specifically addresses two related problems caused by inadequate federal oversight of food chemicals. View the resource below to keep reading.

15 quick, healthy ways to add flavor to foods

Looking for an easy, healthy way to add flavor to foods? Here are 15 dressings, sauces, toppings, and more. None go too heavy on cheese, added sugars, or salt.

Chimichurri

This super-fresh herb sauce is flexible enough to brighten up almost any dish. Spoon it over fish or chicken. Or toss with cooked vegetables, beans, lentils, or whole grains.

Raw Farm recalls cheddar cheese implicated in E. coli cases

E. coli illnesses in 3 states have been linked to Raw Farm cheddar cheese; on April 2, the company announced that it would recall implicated products.

Trump’s proposed cuts to health funding expose fraudulence of MAHA

CSPI leads sign-on letter opposing DGA changes proposed in the Farm Bill

CSPI and 62 other organizations wrote a letter to the House and Senate Agriculture Committees to express strong opposition to proposed changes to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) development process included in the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567), and in the Dietary Guidelines Reform Act of 2025 (S. 1129 / H.R. 2326). The DGA are foundational to public health, influencing not only individual dietary choices but also informing guidelines for federal nutrition and safety net programs. These programs include the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); approximately 30 million children participate in school meals each year and 6.7 million people participate in WIC each month, demonstrating the broad reach of the DGA. The bill’s proposed changes would undermine the scientific integrity of the DGA, harm public health outcomes, and exacerbate health inequities.

How much fiber is in oatmeal, apples, beans, or other foods?

The Daily Value for fiber is 28 grams a day. Here’s how much you’ll find in plant foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds.