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AB 2244

Non-Ultraprocessed Certified food standard.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Ahrens and 9 co-sponsors

Creates a state-backed framework to certify and label non-ultraprocessed foods with a public seal and registry, enabling consumer transparency.

From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on JUD.
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Bill Summary · AB 2244

Summary of AB 2244 (2025-2026) — California Non-Ultraprocessed Certified Food Standard

Purpose and intent

AB 2244 seeks to create a state-regulated framework for labeling and certifying foods as “California Non-Ultraprocessed Certified.” The overarching goal is to provide consumers with reliable health-related information to aid informed purchasing decisions, by establishing an official seal for products that meet standards distinguishing non-ultraprocessed foods from ultraprocessed ones.

Key provisions and changes

  • Certification framework (Health and Safety Code, Article 5, proposed Part 5 Division 104):

    • Establishes the creation of a process to accredit certification agents that can certify products as “California Non-Ultraprocessed Certified.”
    • Certification agents must register with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), renew annually, and list all certified products. Registration data must be publicly accessible. CDPH may audit agents’ procedures; confidential portions of records may be kept confidential.
    • A product may bear the seal only if certified by an accredited agent. The seal is to be standardized by CDPH and may be placed on the principal display or information panel (as long as required labeling is not obstructed).
    • Standards prohibit certifying a product as California Non-Ultraprocessed Certified if it is an ultraprocessed food, an ultraprocessed food of concern, or a restricted school food. Recertification is required at least every three years, with a 30-day window to recertify after reformulation.
    • Recordkeeping requirements: certified agents must provide and allow inspection of application records and internal certification documents; the department can audit, with protective confidentiality provisions for non-disclosable data.
    • A public online registry will list all currently certified products as reported by the accredited agents.
    • Prohibitions and enforcement: unlawful to certify without proper registration, to misstate disclosures, to misrepresent the certification, or to use the seal on non-certified products. The department, the Attorney General, local authorities, or a consumer or organization may seek injunctions for misuse. The act’s penalties are separate from the Sherman Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Law.

  • Prominent placement requirements for large food facilities (California Retail Food Code, Chapter 12.9 – “Preferred Placement”):

    • Applies to food facilities with gross annual store sales over $10,000,000 that offer more than 25 certified items.
    • Requires prominently displaying at least 3 or more items certified under Article 5 (110423.200 et seq.) in prominent display locations (e.g., end caps, checkout, store entrance). The department may adopt regulations to implement this.

  • Public access and transparency:

    • The department must maintain a public webpage listing all products currently certified as California Non-Ultraprocessed Certified.

Who is affected

  • Food manufacturers and retailers seeking to market products with the new seal must obtain certification from an accredited agent and ensure compliance with display and labeling requirements.
  • Accredited certification agents: Entities that wish to certify products must register with CDPH, comply with ongoing reporting, and allow audits.
  • Public: Consumers gain access to a standardized seal and a publicly searchable list of certified products.
  • Local enforcement agencies: Potentially higher compliance and display requirements for large retailers, though enforcement provisions are specified to provide state-level oversight and potential imposition on local programs.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The department must accredit certification agents by no later than June 1, 2028.
  • Recertification cadence is every three years for products.
  • The bill includes findings related to public access and confidentiality protections for sensitive certification data.
  • If enacted, the act would create new regulatory obligations and potential cost implications for local agencies; reimbursement considerations would follow standard state-mandated local cost procedures.

Note: The bill status shows multiple amendments and committee referrals in 2026, with final action pending as of the latest available record.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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