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California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law creating a voluntary state label for products that do not meet California’s definition of ultraprocessed food. Large grocery stores carrying at least 25 certified products must display them prominently. Food industry groups say differing definitions could confuse shoppers and complicate nutrition policy.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law establishing a voluntary state label for foods that fall outside California’s definition of ultraprocessed products, creating a new way for shoppers to identify eligible items. Large grocery stores that carry at least 25 certified products must display them prominently, while food industry groups warn that labels built on different definitions could leave consumers with more questions.
The seal may be used on products that do not meet the state’s definition of ultraprocessed foods, which California established in 2025. Under that definition, a product qualifies as ultraprocessed if it contains at least one additive or has high amounts of saturated fat, sodium or added sugar. The law makes use of the seal voluntary for eligible products.
The grocery-store provision applies when a large store carries at least 25 products certified for the label. Those items must then be displayed prominently. The source report does not specify the precise display format, how compliance will be monitored or when stores must begin meeting the requirement.
California’s label adds to existing private certification options, including the Non-UPF Verified Standard from the Non-GMO Project and the Non-UPF Certified seal from the nonprofit Non-UPF Program. Their criteria are not described as identical. The report says California’s approach centers on ingredients and nutritional composition, while other seals focus at least partly on the degree of processing.
How the Label May Shape Food Choices
The law gives shoppers a state-backed signal for identifying products that satisfy California’s criteria, and the store-display rule could make that signal more visible where enough certified items are stocked. Lawmakers behind the seal say it is intended to offer a simple, transparent way to identify healthier choices. The label’s voluntary nature means its reach depends in part on which manufacturers seek certification and which products stores carry.
The definition may also matter beyond grocery shopping. The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) says definitions of ultraprocessed foods could influence school meals, nutrition assistance, product reformulation, front-of-pack labels and future dietary guidance. Those are potential implications cited by IFT; the California law’s immediate provisions are the label and the grocery display requirement.
California’s 2025 Food Definition
California established its statewide definition of ultraprocessed foods in September 2025. The new label uses that existing definition to determine which products can qualify as non-ultraprocessed. The state therefore joins a wider discussion over how to classify foods based on processing, additives and nutritional content.
Food scientists and industry experts have said that a definition based only on processing could exclude foods such as whole-grain bread or yogurt, even when those foods help people meet nutrient needs. California’s criteria also consider ingredients and levels of saturated fat, sodium and added sugar. The source report does not provide the full technical certification process or a product-by-product list of eligible foods.
“We should be about healthcare, not sick-care, recognizing that preventing illnesses is far preferable to finding — and affording — treatments.”
— California Gov. Gavin Newsom, in a statement
Certification and Store Rules Ahead
The source report does not give a start date for the grocery display requirement or explain how California will certify products, audit claims or enforce the rule. It is also unclear how many products currently qualify, how many manufacturers will use the label, or what shoppers will see on store shelves first.
The longer-term effect on consumer understanding is unsettled. California’s definition is one among several approaches, and the report does not establish whether other states will adopt it or create their own criteria. IFT has warned that differing definitions could lead to inconsistent interpretations for manufacturers and consumers.
Stores and Manufacturers Prepare
Manufacturers can choose whether to seek the state label for products that meet California’s definition. Large grocery stores that carry at least 25 certified items will need to display those products prominently under the new law. The source report identifies no implementation date or next regulatory milestone, so the timing and operational details remain to be clarified.
Attention will also turn to whether other states or certification groups develop separate definitions. Any further policy steps could affect how products are classified and how food guidance is written, but the source report does not describe a specific state proposal or federal action currently underway.
Key Questions
What did California’s new law establish?
It created a voluntary state label for products that do not meet California’s definition of ultraprocessed food. Large grocery stores carrying at least 25 certified products must display them prominently.
How does California define ultraprocessed food?
The state’s 2025 definition covers products with at least one additive or high amounts of saturated fat, sodium or added sugar. The source report does not provide further technical thresholds.
Is the label mandatory for food makers?
No. The label is described as voluntary for products that meet the state’s criteria. The grocery display requirement applies to large stores that carry at least 25 certified products.
Why have food industry groups raised concerns?
IFT says that if states and certification groups use different definitions, manufacturers and shoppers could face different interpretations of what counts as ultraprocessed. The group has called for definitions grounded in science and aligned with wider nutrition policy.
Source: rss
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