The updated standards restrict artificial colors, expand limits on low- and no-calorie sweeteners, remove processed meats and increase weekly offerings of minimally-processed plant proteins.

The New York City Health Department and the Mayor’s Office of Food Policy on Tuesday updated the city’s food standards for meals and snacks served across city agencies. 

The changes are part of the city’s Chronic Disease Strategy and aim to improve nutrition, reduce chronic disease and make healthy eating more accessible to all New Yorkers.

The updated standards restrict artificial colors, expand limits on low- and no-calorie sweeteners, remove processed meats and increase weekly offerings of minimally-processed plant proteins. 

“I often say, when it comes to your health, it’s not just what is in your DNA, it’s also what is in your dinner. I’ve turned my life around from being pre-diabetic to living a plant-based diet, and when we came into office, we committed to ensuring all New Yorkers have access to healthy, fresh foods,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Snack requirements have also been strengthened to boost variety and nutritional value. Starting July 1, 2026, the standards will impact more than one million New Yorkers, including schoolchildren, older adults and patients in NYC Health + Hospitals. 

The standards cover more than 219 million meals and snacks served annually across 11 city agencies.

The Food Standards, first introduced in 2008 and updated periodically since, promote whole and minimally processed fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy proteins while limiting foods high in sodium, saturated fat, plus added sugar. Key updates include:

  • Expanding restrictions on low- and no-calorie sweeteners to all ages

     

  • Eliminating all artificial colors, certain flour additives, and preservatives

     

  • Removing all processed meats

     

  • Increasing the serving of whole or minimally processed plant protein foods

     

  • Strengthening snack variety and nutrition quality

     

The standards aim to reduce chronic disease, improve dietary intake and address structural inequities in access to healthy food. They also guide city food purchasing toward equity, sustainability and public health goals while influencing the broader food service supply chain.

Eleven city agencies must follow the standards, including the Departments of Education, Health, Aging, Correction, Homeless Services, Parks and Recreation plus Health + Hospitals. Executive Order 8 requires the standards to be revised every three years.

The updated standards aim to serve as a model for other cities and reinforce the government’s role in making nutritious food available to everyone. 

“Each meal we serve is an opportunity to support New Yorkers’ well-being. The updated food standards, driven by the best available science, are helping make healthy eating more accessible by ensuring meals are nutritious and culturally relevant,” said Mayor’s Office of Food Policy Executive Director Kate MacKenzie.

By shaping the meals served across the city, the standards are expected to significantly impact chronic disease prevention and address inequities in access to healthy foods.