California legislature approves first-in-nation ‘Non-Ultra-Processed’ Food Label Program

California lawmakers approved legislation that would establish the nation’s first state-certified label for foods that are not ultra-processed. If signed into law, the program would allow qualifying products to display a “Non-Ultraprocessed Certified” seal and require larger grocery retailers to help shoppers identify certified products.

Alyssa Moran, ScD, MPH, Deputy Director of Penn’s Center for Food and Nutrition Policy and a CHIBE affiliate, explained that even nutrition experts may struggle to determine whether a product is ultra-processed from its ingredient list alone. She said clear, science-backed labels on the front of food packages can strongly influence consumers and help them make healthier choices.