The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

California lawmakers have approved legislation that would establish a voluntary 'Non-Ultraprocessed Certified' seal for packaged food products, in a move aimed at giving consumers clearer information about food processing.

Assembly Bill 2244, authored by assembly member Jesse Gabriel, passed the California State Senate by 32-0 and the State Assembly by 72-0. It will now be sent to Governor Gavin Newsom, who has until 30 September to sign or veto the legislation.

If enacted, the bill would establish what its backers describe as the first certification programme of its kind in the US. Food manufacturers whose products meet specified standards for not being ultra-processed would be able to apply to use the seal on packaging.

The certification process would be overseen by the California Department of Public Health, with manufacturers applying through accredited certification agents.

The scheme is modelled on the USDA Organic programme and is intended to provide a simpler front-of-pack indication for consumers seeking products that are not classified as ultra-processed.

The legislation would also require grocery stores in California to display products carrying the certification, with the aim of making qualifying foods easier for shoppers to locate.

Gabriel said the measure would provide consumers with “clear, trustworthy information” and make it easier to identify products without certain additives.

“Parents shouldn't need a Ph.D in chemistry to understand what they’re feeding their kids,” he added.

AB 2244 follows several previous California measures focused on food additives and ultra-processed foods. In 2025, Newsom signed Gabriel's Real Food, Healthy Kids Act, which established a statutory definition of ultra-processed foods and created a process for restricting certain products in California schools.

Gabriel also authored the California Food Safety Act of 2023 and the California School Food Safety Act of 2024, both of which introduced restrictions relating to food additives.

The latest bill has received backing from organisations including the Environmental Working Group, California Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association.

Melanie Benesh, vice president of government affairs at the Environmental Working Group, said the certification could help consumers distinguish between processed and ultra-processed foods.

“By clearly labeling foods non-ultra-processed and making them easy to find in stores, this bill sets people up for success,” added Alyssa J Moran, deputy director of the Center for Food and Nutrition Policy at the University of Pennsylvania.