California Proposes 'Certified' Labels for Non-Ultra-Processed Foods

Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel's bill aims to make healthy eating easier for families.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:08pm

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A vibrant neon outline of an apple or carrot against a dark backdrop, conceptually representing the clarity and energy of unprocessed, nutritious foods.A new California certification program could make it simpler for shoppers to identify and access healthier, less processed food options.Los Angeles Today

California Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel has introduced a new bill that would create a 'California Certified' label for food products that are not ultra-processed. The goal is to help consumers, especially parents, more easily identify healthier options on grocery store shelves. Large stores would also be required to prominently display these certified products.

Why it matters

Ultra-processed foods have been linked to a range of health issues, including cancer, heart disease, and obesity. However, current food labels can be confusing, making it difficult for shoppers to determine which products are highly processed. This new certification program aims to empower consumers to make more informed choices for themselves and their families.

The details

Assemblymember Gabriel's proposed bill, AB 2244, would establish a voluntary certification program for food manufacturers to verify that their products are non-ultra-processed. Once certified, companies would be allowed to display the 'California Certified' seal on their packaging. Large grocery stores would also be required to give these healthier items prime shelf placement to make them more visible to shoppers.

  • Assemblymember Gabriel has authored a series of bills addressing healthy foods over the past three years, from 2023 to 2025.
  • AB 2244 is scheduled to be considered by the Assembly Health Committee on April 14, 2026.

The players

Jesse Gabriel

A California Assemblymember who has authored several bills in recent years to promote healthier food options, including the new 'California Certified' labeling program.

Bernadette Del Chiaro

The senior vice president for California at the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit co-sponsoring AB 2244.

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What they’re saying

“Parents shouldn't need a Ph.D. in chemistry to try to understand what it is that they're feeding their kids.”

— Jesse Gabriel, California Assemblymember

“Healthy foods shouldn't be hidden.”

— Jesse Gabriel, California Assemblymember

“We know it works. We know that there's a market for this.”

— Bernadette Del Chiaro, Senior Vice President, Environmental Working Group

What’s next

AB 2244 is scheduled to be taken up by the Assembly Health Committee on April 14, 2026.

The takeaway

This proposed 'California Certified' labeling program aims to make it easier for families to identify and access healthier food options, empowering consumers to make more informed choices and potentially leading to broader industry changes to meet consumer demand for less processed products.