California Bill Proposes ‘Not Ultra-Processed’ Food Seal for Products

California is once again at the forefront of a national conversation about food regulation, this time with a bill proposing a front-of-package seal to identify products that are *not* ultra-processed. The move builds on the state’s recent efforts to limit the presence of these foods, particularly in schools, and reflects a growing public and scientific scrutiny of their impact on health.

Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, the architect of this and previous legislation targeting food additives and ultra-processed foods, introduced bill AB 2224 with the aim of empowering consumers to make informed choices. “Parents shouldn’t necessitate a Ph.D. In chemistry to understand what they’re feeding their kids,” Gabriel stated at a press call on Wednesday. The proposed seal would be voluntary for manufacturers to apply for, incentivizing them to reformulate products to meet the criteria for certification. Similar efforts to improve front-of-package labeling have been debated at the federal level, but California is pushing ahead with its own approach.

Defining “Ultra-Processed” – A Continuing Debate

The core of the issue lies in defining what constitutes an “ultra-processed food.” This remains a subject of ongoing scientific debate, but the California bill adopts the same definition used in last year’s legislation concerning school lunches. Foods are categorized as ultra-processed if they contain both certain additives – such as emulsifiers, flavors, and preservatives – *and* are high in sugar, salt, and fat, or contain non-nutritive sweeteners.

Alyssa Moran, a nutrition policy researcher and epidemiologist at the University of Pennsylvania, estimates that roughly a third of packaged foods would qualify as *not* ultra-processed under this definition. She highlighted the potential benefits for school food service providers, who could more easily identify healthier options. The debate over ultra-processed foods isn’t simply academic; research increasingly links their consumption to adverse health outcomes. Moran pointed to data suggesting that ultra-processed foods contribute to roughly 1,400 American deaths each day, though establishing direct causation remains a complex challenge.

The concept of ultra-processing, as defined by researchers like Carlos Monteiro in Brazil, goes beyond simply adding ingredients. It refers to industrial formulations created mostly from refined ingredients and additives, designed to be hyper-palatable and drive overconsumption. STAT News recently covered ongoing research into refining the definition of ultra-processed foods, acknowledging the nuances and challenges in categorizing food products.

A Seal of Approval, and a Comparison to Organic Certification

Gabriel envisions the “California Certified” seal functioning similarly to the USDA’s organic label. He noted that California’s early regulation of organic products paved the way for federal standards. “We would love to spot Washington follow our lead,” he said, adding that companies could potentially use the California seal on products sold outside the state even before any federal action.

The bill also mandates that large grocery chains prominently display foods bearing the California seal once a certain threshold of products has achieved certification. This could include common items like yogurt, bread, snacks, baby food, and cereals. The intention is to make healthier choices more visible and accessible to consumers.

Beyond California: A National Trend and Legal Challenges

California isn’t alone in its efforts to address concerns about ultra-processed foods. Texas passed a labeling law last year requiring warning labels on foods containing 44 specific additives. However, that law has faced legal challenges. A federal judge temporarily blocked the Texas law last month, citing potential First Amendment concerns. This highlights the legal complexities of regulating food labeling and the potential for pushback from the food industry.

Other countries, like Mexico, have adopted front-of-package labeling systems, but these typically focus on warning consumers about excess amounts of calories, sugar, and fat, rather than identifying foods that are *not* ultra-processed. Gabriel explained that California opted for a positive approach, “by acknowledging folks who are doing the right thing, and who are creating products that are healthy.”

What’s Next for AB 2224?

Gabriel expressed optimism about the bill’s prospects, hoping to have it on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk by August or September. The bill’s success will likely depend on navigating potential opposition from the food industry and addressing ongoing debates about the definition of ultra-processed foods. The Consumer Brands Association, the largest trade group for food manufacturers, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Looking ahead, the outcome of AB 2224 could have ripple effects beyond California. If successful, it could serve as a model for other states and potentially influence federal policy. The debate over ultra-processed foods is likely to continue, with ongoing research and evolving scientific understanding shaping future regulations and consumer choices. For consumers seeking more information, resources from organizations like the Bloomberg Philanthropies, which supports coverage of chronic health issues, can provide valuable insights.