California Enacts First Statewide Non-Ultraprocessed Food Label

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law on Sept. 28 creating the first statewide non-ultraprocessed food label in the U.S. The signing defies objections from food industry groups that warn a patchwork of state-level definitions will confuse manufacturers and shoppers alike.

The voluntary label can appear on products that do not fall under California's definition of ultraprocessed foods, which the state established in 2025. Large grocery stores must prominently display items carrying the state label once they stock at least 25 certified products.

California became the first state to define ultraprocessed foods last September. The definition covers products containing at least one additive, or high amounts of saturated fat, sodium or added sugar.

Lawmakers behind the seal pitched it as a transparent, simple way for consumers to spot healthier options. But as other groups roll out their own non-ultraprocessed labels with different definitions, industry organizations see a growing risk of marketplace confusion.

The Institute of Food Technologists, which represents the food science industry, said a consistent, science-based framework for ultraprocessed foods is needed as more states begin enacting their own policies.

If other states follow California's lead and adopt their own definitions, manufacturers and consumers "could eventually face different interpretations of what qualifies as an ultra-processed food," Anna Rosales, IFT vice president of science and policy, wrote in a blog post.

"How ultra-processed foods are defined could ultimately influence school meals, nutrition assistance programs, product reformulation efforts, front-of-pack labeling initiatives, and future dietary guidance," Rosales added. "Given those potential implications for the food system, definitions should be rooted in sound science, aligned with broader nutrition policy objectives, and flexible enough to evolve as evidence emerges."

The California seal joins a growing list of non-ultraprocessed marks available to food manufacturers positioning products as healthier. Existing options include the Non-UPF Verified Standard from the Non-GMO Project and the Non-UPF Certified seal from the nonprofit Non-UPF Program.

The California approach differs in a key way. While other non-ultraprocessed labels focus at least in part on the degree of processing, California's standard centers on nutritional and ingredient composition. Food scientists and industry experts have noted that focusing only on processing could penalize foods like whole grain bread or yogurt that help consumers meet their nutrient needs.

Newsom framed the label within his broader health agenda. "We should be about healthcare, not sick-care, recognizing that preventing illnesses is far preferable to finding — and affording — treatments," Newsom said in a statement. "It's why California is focused on making whole, healthy foods as accessible as possible, why we're making healthier choices easier."

For CPG marketers and retailers, the stakes extend beyond packaging. The display mandate gives certified products potential shelf-placement advantages in large-format stores, while the outcome of competing state definitions could shape reformulation strategy, front-of-pack claims and eligibility for programs well beyond California's borders.