California Introduces Label for Non-Ultra-Processed Foods

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill on Tuesday establishing a label for non-ultra-processed foods (UPFs). This law introduces the first seal in the U.S. indicating that products do not meet the criteria for ultra-processed status, as outlined by California lawmaker Jesse Gabriel, who sponsored the bill.

The initiative takes inspiration from the "USDA Organic" label, which is regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Under the new law, the California Department of Public Health will oversee the certification process. Food manufacturers must apply to accredited certification agents to use the "California Certified" seal, with products required to undergo recertification every three years.

California defines UPFs as food and beverages containing specified substances like artificial colors or stabilizers, while also having high levels of saturated fat, sodium, added sugars, or non-nutritive sweeteners. The law mandates that grocery stores with annual sales over $10 million prominently feature items bearing this seal in high-traffic areas.

In comments following the bill's passage, Newsom emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare. "We should be about healthcare, not sick-care, recognizing that preventing illnesses is far preferable to finding -- and affording -- treatments," he stated.

Consumer groups have applauded the legislation, with Bernadette Del Chiaro, senior vice president for California at the Environmental Working Group, noting the law provides consumers with reliable labels. "Today California raised the bar for what we consider healthy food. Families now have a simple way to tell which foods are closer to what comes from a kitchen rather than a factory," she said.

This law aligns with ongoing critiques from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has highlighted concerns over the proliferation of ultra-processed foods in the American diet. He stated that these foods link to rising rates of chronic diseases and that many harmful chemicals are banned in Europe but are common in U.S. processed products.

Research indicates that more than half of Americans' caloric intake comes from ultra-processed foods. A 2022 study from the CDC and the University of São Paulo, Brazil, found a correlation between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and increased cardiovascular disease risk. Earlier this year, Kennedy also announced dietary guidelines aimed at reducing reliance on highly processed foods.