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California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law creating a voluntary state label for products that meet California’s definition of non-ultraprocessed food. Large grocery stores carrying at least 25 certified products must display them prominently. Food science representatives say differing definitions could confuse consumers and complicate nutrition policy.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law creating a voluntary label for non-ultraprocessed foods, giving shoppers a state-backed way to identify products that meet California’s definition. Large grocery stores that carry at least 25 certified products must prominently display them, while food science representatives warn that differing definitions and seals could leave consumers uncertain about what the label means.
The seal is available for products that do not fall under California’s definition of ultraprocessed foods, which the state established in 2025. That definition covers products containing at least one additive or high amounts of saturated fat, sodium or added sugar. The new label is voluntary for qualifying products; the grocery display requirement applies when a large store carries at least 25 certified items.
Lawmakers behind the seal describe it as a simple, transparent way to help consumers identify healthier options. California’s approach focuses on a product’s ingredients and nutritional composition, rather than relying solely on how much it has been processed. That distinction matters because some minimally processed classifications could otherwise overlook the nutritional role of foods such as whole-grain bread and yogurt.
The new state seal joins private labels already offered by the Non-GMO Project and the nonprofit Non-UPF Program. Those initiatives use their own standards, adding to the range of labels manufacturers may use to market products as non-ultraprocessed.
A New Signal in Grocery Aisles
The law brings a state-defined food category into grocery-store displays and gives shoppers another signal to weigh when comparing products. Its practical reach depends on how many manufacturers seek certification and how many qualifying products stores carry. The threshold means the prominent display rule does not apply to every store or every product.
The label also has potential implications beyond shopping. The Institute of Food Technologists says definitions of ultraprocessed food could affect school meals, nutrition assistance, product reformulation, front-of-package labeling and dietary guidance. These are possible policy effects identified by the organization, not changes established by this law.
For manufacturers selling across state lines, differences between state and private standards could require them to interpret multiple definitions. For consumers, several seals using the same broad term may make comparisons harder unless their criteria are clear.
California’s Definition and Existing Seals
California became the first state to define ultraprocessed foods in September 2025, according to the source report. The new law builds on that definition by allowing a state label for products outside the category. Its composition-based method considers additives and specified nutrient levels, while other non-ultraprocessed labels focus at least partly on the degree of processing.
Food scientists and industry experts have cautioned that processing alone does not necessarily determine a food’s nutritional value. The examples cited in the report, whole-grain bread and yogurt, illustrate why a processing-based label may not align neatly with whether a food can help meet nutrient needs. The source does not provide the full certification process or the precise thresholds used for “high amounts” of saturated fat, sodium and added sugar.
““We should be about healthcare, not sick-care, recognizing that preventing illnesses is far preferable to finding — and affording — treatments.””
— California Gov. Gavin Newsom
How Shoppers Will Read the Seal
It is not yet clear how many products will qualify for California’s seal, how many companies will apply, or how stores will implement the display requirement. The source report does not specify when the labeling program begins or describe its enforcement details.
The relationship between California’s criteria and existing private standards also remains a question for consumers and manufacturers. The Institute of Food Technologists warned that if other states adopt their own definitions, companies and shoppers could face different interpretations of what counts as ultraprocessed. The report does not identify specific states preparing to do so.
Certification and Store Displays
Next steps will depend on the state’s implementation of the certification process and on whether manufacturers choose to use the label. Large grocery stores that carry at least 25 certified products will then have to display those items prominently, as required by the law.
As the program takes shape, shoppers and food businesses will be watching for details about eligibility, oversight and how California’s seal compares with other standards. The source report does not give a rollout timetable or identify a first date for store displays.
Key Questions
What did California enact?
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law creating a voluntary state label for products that do not meet California’s definition of ultraprocessed foods.
Which products can use the label?
Products that fall outside California’s 2025 definition of ultraprocessed foods can qualify. The definition covers products with at least one additive or high amounts of saturated fat, sodium or added sugar. The report does not provide the detailed certification rules or nutrient thresholds.
Which grocery stores must display certified products?
Large grocery stores must prominently display items with the state label when they carry at least 25 certified products.
Why are food science representatives concerned?
The Institute of Food Technologists says different state and private definitions could create inconsistent interpretations for consumers and manufacturers. The organization also says definitions may influence areas such as school meals, nutrition assistance and product labeling.
When will the label appear in stores?
The source report does not give a start date for certification or store displays. The timing will depend on implementation and on manufacturers obtaining the state label.
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