A major shake-up could be coming to grocery stores in California<\/a> \u2014 and it might just help health-conscious shoppers.<\/p>\n In a new bill, California state has proposed a first-in-nation label that would warn consumers which foods are ultra-processed.<\/p>\n Under the plan, foods that are not ultra-processed \u2014 such as canned beans, yogurt and sauces made with few ingredients \u2014 would be able to apply for and carry a new label, ‘California Certified,’ that would signal they are not heavily processed<\/a>. It would function in the same way as other labels, such as USDA Organic.<\/p>\n Grocery stores would also be required to place these approved products in prime locations, such as at the end of aisles, checkout lanes and store entrances.<\/p>\n There is no federal definition for ultra-processed, but California is using its own, which says a food is ultra-processed if it contains artificial flavors, colors, emulsifiers or stabilizers and is high in added sugar, sodium\u00a0<\/a>or fat.<\/p>\n The bill, dubbed AB2244, was introduced to California’s House last month. If approved, legislators say the label would first be used in 2028.<\/p>\n It was proposed by Democrat Congressman Jesse Gabriel, who said:\u00a0‘Parents shouldn’t need a PhD in chemistry to understand what they’re feeding their kids.<\/span><\/p>\n ‘Like the USDA Organic label, this new seal will empower consumers with clear, trustworthy information and make it easier for them to locate healthier foods that are free from harmful additives.<\/p>\n Legislators could bring in a new label for non-ultra-processed food sold in grocery stores (stock image)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"Legislators](\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2026\/03\/31\/13\/107553065-15694623-image-a-1_1774961069819.jpg\")
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