Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law that allows food makers to display a state-backed non‑ultra‑processed food seal. The California Department of Public Health will accredit third‑party certifiers, set rules for eligibility, and require prominent in‑store presentation of certified products at large retailers.
The law creates a voluntary “Non‑Ultra‑Processed Certified” seal and directs the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to accredit third‑party certifiers by June 1, 2029.
Products must be recertified at least every three years and will be disqualified if they contain additives such as dyes, flavor enhancers, non‑sugar sweeteners, or processing aids used to manipulate taste or quality.
Oversight measures include mandatory registration of certifiers, state audits, a public online list of certified products, and penalties for misuse of the seal.
California's new law authorizes a voluntary, state‑backed "Non‑Ultra‑Processed Certified" seal that food manufacturers can use if their products meet the state's non‑UPF standards. The bill was introduced by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and passed with bipartisan support.
Health will oversee the certification system. CDPH must approve and accredit third‑party certification agents and keep a public, online list of certified products.
CDPH is required to accredit third‑party certifiers no later than June 1, 2029. Certified products must be recertified at least once every three years.
A food will not qualify for the seal if it contains substances or additives that are used to manipulate taste or quality. The law explicitly mentions dyes, flavor enhancers, non‑sugar sweeteners, and processing aids as disqualifying elements.
The law creates concrete oversight tools:
Large grocery stores that sell more than 25 individual non‑UPF‑certified products and generate more than $10 million in annual sales must display certified products so consumers can identify them easily. Examples of display methods required by the law include special signage or physical separation on shelves.
Several consumer groups, including the Environmental Working Group, praised the law. The article notes that research shows UPF account for a large share of diets—more than two‑thirds for children and more than half for adults—and lists associated health harms that scientific studies have linked to diets high in UPF, including cancer, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, metabolic disorders, and mental health issues.
Practical next steps include CDPH setting accreditation standards and processes for third‑party certifiers, manufacturers applying to accredited certifiers for authorization to use the seal, and retailers adjusting store layouts and signage to comply with the display requirement once sufficient products are certified.
Why it matters to consumers and businesses
Consumers will have an officially vetted label to identify products that meet California's non‑UPF criteria. Manufacturers who want to use the seal must undergo third‑party certification and periodic recertification. Large retailers will be required to make certified options more visible on store floors.
Modeled after the “USDA Organic” label, AB 2244 would create a voluntary certification program through which qualifying manufacturers could display a “Non-Ultraprocessed Certified” seal on food packaging. Manufacturers could apply to accredited certification agents for authorization to use the seal.
While the new seal is meant to provide a simple way for consumers to identify healthier options, some worry it could lead to more confusion.
The landmark measure establishes a voluntary certification system and requires large grocery stores to prominently display cleaner label food options.
California is creating a front-of-package label for what it deems non-ultraprocessed foods. Some say a nationwide definition is needed to avoid confusing consumers.
If approved, California's Bill 2244 would allow for certified labels to be placed on foods that don’t fall under the state’s definition of ultra-processed foods.
Riata Meldrum, Research Fellow Rusty Rumley, Senior Staff Attorney On November 12, 2025, Public Law 119-37 was signed into law with...
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