California Will Add 'Non-Ultraprocessed Certified' Seal to Foods. What that Means
The voluntary label will let shoppers identify qualifying foods, and state officials say it will improve shelf visibility for products that meet California standards.
- On Monday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2244, creating the nation's first government-backed "Non-Ultraprocessed Certified" food label to help consumers identify healthier, minimally processed options.
- Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, the bill's author, stated the measure empowers consumers, building on the 2025 Healthy Foods, Healthy Kids Act that targeted foods free from harmful additives.
- The California Department of Public Health must accredit certification agents by June 1, 2028, with products bearing the seal starting January 1, 2029; supermarkets earning more than $10 million must display three certified items.
- Manufacturers and consumers "could eventually face different interpretations of what qualifies as an ultra-processed food," warned Anna Rosales, vice president of science and policy for the Institute of Food Technologists, regarding potential state-by-state confusion.
- California's certification program positions the state as a leader amid federal inaction, while the FDA and USDA continue developing a uniform national definition for ultra-processed foods.
23 Articles
23 Articles
The Independent
The Independent (US)New label to boost non-ultra processed foods in California
California was ‘clearing the way for the rest of the country to follow,’ Governor Gavin Newsom said this week
POLITICS: California can help people eat better – but not with a dumb label
California has found another ingredient to add to your dinner: more government. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Monday creating a voluntary certification label for non-ultraprocessed foods and requiring warnings for certain high-sugar drinks at chain restaurants. The stated goal is healthier eating. As a chef, restaurant owner, and father of four, I support that goal; I have been harping about healthy food since I opened my first restauran…
Hanford Sentinel
California will add 'Non-Ultraprocessed Certified' seal to foods. What that means
California is now on track to be the first state to create a front-of-package label to help consumers identify foods in the grocery store aisles that are not ultraprocessed. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2244 into law on Monday,…
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