In a first-of-its-kind move, a California state lawmaker is advancing a bill that requires grocery stores to prominently display products without ultraprocessed ingredients, Politico reports.
The measure aims to create a “California Certified” seal for foods that are not ultraprocessed. Grocery stores would be required to feature these products at the end of aisles and other visible locations in the store, according to Politico.
California has led efforts to improve access to healthier foods. Last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation to eliminate ultraprocessed foods in school lunches. The state also enacted laws banning food containing certain dyes in schools and prohibiting the sale of products with chemicals like Red No. 40 by 2027.
Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel told Politico that the ultraprocessed food legislation mirrors the “USDA Organic” label. To obtain the seal, companies must pay for their products to be certified by an accredited agent. Starting in June 2028, applicants can apply to an accredited certification agent to earn the “California Certified” seal, which must be renewed every three years.
A recent poll by Politico and Public First found that more than 60% of respondents support removing ultraprocessed foods from grocery store shelves.
Last year, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a two-year plan to phase out petroleum-based dyes in foods and other products like candy. Nine of the 36 food dyes approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) contain petroleum. The HHS and FDA plan to revoke authorization for two synthetic food colorings—Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B—in the coming months. They will also work with the food industry to eliminate six remaining synthetic dyes—Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5 and No. 6, and Blue No. 1 and No. 2—by the end of 2026.