SACRAMENTO -- Legislation that would set nutrition standards for school food was approved Wednesday by a state Senate committee.

The bill by Sen. Martha Escutia, D-Norwalk, cleared the Education Committee on a 8-3 vote and was sent to the Health Committee.

"Now is the time to support intellectual and physical health for our students by getting rid of unhealthy foods at school," Escutia said in a statement. "This legislation makes sure that California has healthy children who are ready to learn."

With some exceptions, the bill would set limits on fat and sugar in individual food items sold at elementary and secondary schools, starting July 1, 2007.

Not more than 35 percent of total calories could come from fat and not more than 10 percent could come from saturated fat. Sugar would be limited to no more than 35 percent of the item's total weight.

Nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, nut butters, eggs and individual packages of cheese wouldn't be covered by the limits nor would full school meals, which are covered by federal standards.

The restrictions, in an attempt to aid school fund-raising efforts, also wouldn't apply to food sold by secondary schools more than a half hour after classes end for the day or at a school-sponsored events.

Lawmakers adopted nutrition standards for elementary schools and some secondary schools in 2001, but those requirements were never implemented because they were tied to additional school funding that was never approved. Escutia's current bill doesn't contain that restriction.