Non-Ultraprocessed Certified food standard

The law creates a state-supervised label intended to help shoppers identify foods that do not meet California’s ultraprocessed-food criteria. It also sets certification, disclosure, oversight, and enforcement rules for use of the seal.

What the law does ​

• Requires the State Department of Public Health to accredit certification agents by June 1, 2029, create a standardized seal, and maintain a public list of currently certified products.
• Bars certification of foods that meet the state’s additive criteria for ultraprocessed food or are classified as ultraprocessed foods of concern or restricted school foods.
• Requires recertification at least every three years and before a reformulated product continues using the seal.
• Requires certification agents to register, train, renew annually, report product and ingredient information, and provide records for department inspection and audit.
• Makes unauthorized certification, false or withheld required information, and use of the seal on ineligible products unlawful; the department, public officials, consumers, businesses, and nonprofits may seek court orders against seal misuse.
• Allows the department to charge cost-based certification and registration fees, deposited in the Public Health Food and Nutrition Education Fund.
• Requires grocery stores with over $10 million in annual store sales to clearly identify at least three certified items when they sell more than 25 certified items; this requirement expires January 1, 2040.

Who it affects ​

• Food manufacturers and brands seeking to market products with the state’s certification seal.
• Entities seeking accreditation to certify food products.
• Large grocery stores selling more than 25 certified products.
• Consumers seeking information about certified foods.

Context ​

Certification-agent registration information is public, while other agent records not otherwise subject to disclosure must be kept confidential by the department.