Los Angeles County Passes Law to Make All Departmental Food Purchases Plant-Based

Los Angeles County has passed a law requiring all departmental food purchases to be plant-based by default, aiming to address the environmental and health impacts of food consumption. The new legislation mandates that all contracts between foodservice providers and county departments follow plant-based policies, highlighting the benefits of plant-based diets for reducing emissions, water pollution, land use, and improving health outcomes.

The move aligns with the county's sustainability plan, emphasizing the need to promote plant-based food consumption over animal products to support health, climate goals, and economic objectives. The law also directs the Department of Public Health to incorporate evidence-based recommendations for purchasing, selling, and serving more plant-based foods, indicating a significant shift towards plant-based eating in Los Angeles County.