New York City to Eliminate Processed Meats, Boost Plant-Based Proteins in School and City Meals

New York City is taking significant steps to make healthy eating more accessible and culturally relevant for its residents. The city government has announced updates to its food standards for public meal initiatives, effective from July 1, 2026.

The updates are designed to support the health of one million New Yorkers, including school children, older adults, and hospital patients. The move is based on a large review that revealed no safe amount of processed meats for human health.

Processed meats, known for their high sodium, nitrates, and chemical preservatives, have been linked to increased risks of Type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, and ischemic heart disease. To address this concern, New York City has eliminated processed meat products from its public meal programs and increased minimally processed plant proteins.

The mayor of New York City launched a 'plant-based by default' scheme in 11 public hospitals in 2022. Half of all patients in these hospitals have chosen to eat meat-free dishes because of the initiative. In fact, 63-74% of these adults consume red and processed meat on any given day, and more than 75 million American adults consume processed fast food daily.

To ensure the success of this shift, the New York City health department will release an Implementation Guide to support the adoption of these standards across the agencies. The guide will provide practical advice on menu planning, sourcing plant-based proteins, and recipe development.

The benefits of plant proteins have been highlighted in the context of dietary guidelines. They are much better for heart health, the prevention of cancer, and Type 2 diabetes. The variety and nutritional quality requirements for snacks have been strengthened to encourage the consumption of a wider range of plant-based options.

The updates aim to clamp down on processed meats and require more plant-based proteins. This aligns with the recommendations of scientists advising the US on dietary guidelines, who have urged a reduction in red and processed meat consumption.

The city government's efforts extend beyond its public meal programs. In 2023, New York City launched the Plant-Powered Carbon Challenge, which has been taken up by various institutions like Columbia University, The Rockefeller Foundation, Aramark, and the US Open. A resolution signed by 1400 US mayors also promoted a shift to plant-based diets in 2023, inspired by the hospital campaign in New York City.

The updates to New York City's food standards are part of a broader commitment to improving public health, reducing chronic disease risk, and promoting environmental sustainability. With these changes, the city aims to set an example for other cities and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

New York City to Eliminate Processed Meats, Boost Plant-Based Proteins in School and City Meals