California Leads the Nation in Labeling Ultra-Processed Foods
California is at the forefront of a movement to increase transparency in the food industry, with a new bill aiming to help consumers identify foods that are not ultra-processed. Assembly Bill 2244 proposes a voluntary “California Certified” seal for products meeting specific criteria, building on previous legislation addressing ultra-processed foods (UPF) in schools.
What are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Determining what constitutes an ultra-processed food has been a subject of ongoing debate. However, California’s legislation defines UPF as foods containing additives like emulsifiers, flavors, and preservatives, and are as well high in sugar, salt, and fat, or contain non-nutritive sweeteners.
The “California Certified” Seal: Empowering Consumers
Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), the architect of the bill, emphasized the need for clarity in food labeling. “Parents shouldn’t need a Ph.D. In chemistry to understand what they’re feeding their kids,” Gabriel stated. The proposed seal aims to empower consumers to produce informed choices and incentivize manufacturers to reformulate products to meet the certification standards.
Building on Previous Legislation
This initiative follows California’s enactment of AB 1264, the Real Food, Healthy Kids Act, in September 2025. AB 1264 established the first U.S. Legal definition of UPF and tasked the California Department of Public Health (DPH) with identifying UPF “of concern” to phase out from schools. AB 2244 expands on this work by offering a certification for products that are *not* ultra-processed.
How the Certification Will Work
Under AB 2244, the DPH would oversee a system allowing independent agents to verify which products meet the state’s UPF standards and qualify for the “California Certified” label. Products already restricted in California schools would be ineligible for the seal. Certified products will be required to undergo recertification every three years.
Potential Impact and Industry Response
Researchers estimate that approximately one-third of packaged foods would qualify as “not ultra-processed” under the proposed definition. Alyssa Moran, a nutrition policy researcher and epidemiologist at the University of Pennsylvania, highlighted the health implications, stating that ultra-processed foods are linked to increased chronic disease risk and contribute to roughly 1,400 American deaths daily.
The Consumer Brands Association, the largest trade group for food manufacturers, has not yet issued a public comment on the bill.
What’s Next?
Assemblymember Gabriel hopes to have the bill on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk by August or September. He also suggested that companies could voluntarily leverage the California seal on products sold outside of the state. California’s actions could potentially influence federal policy, mirroring the impact of its earlier regulations on organic food labeling.
Other States and Countries Taking Action
California is not alone in addressing ultra-processed foods. Texas passed a labeling law in 2025 requiring warning labels on foods containing certain additives, but the law is currently blocked by a federal judge due to First Amendment concerns. Mexico has also implemented front-of-package labels warning consumers about high levels of calories and sugar.
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