Saratoga, California — California has enacted a multi-bill public health package that establishes a voluntary certification standard for non-ultraprocessed foods, prohibits the sale of nonprescription slimming pills to minors, and mandates expanded nutritional disclosures on chain restaurant menus. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the signing on September 28, concluding action on measures approved during the legislative session.
At the center of the legislative effort is Assembly Bill 2244, authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, which creates a state certification program and front-of-package seal identifying non-ultraprocessed grocery products. Modeled on standard organic certification frameworks, the measure establishes voluntary criteria designed to help shoppers identify foods produced without heavy industrial processing or chemical additives. Accompanying measures target dining environments: Senate Bill 869 requires chain restaurant menus to flag beverages exceeding suggested daily sugar thresholds, while Senate Bill 977 mandates that chain restaurants provide at least one children's meal option meeting designated nutritional guidelines.
> "Like the USDA Organic label, this new seal will provide consumers with clear, trustworthy information and make it easier for them to locate healthier foods that are free from harmful additives. Parents shouldn't need a Ph.D. in chemistry to understand what they're feeding their kids." — Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel
The legislation also institutes new restrictions aimed at safeguarding adolescent health. Assembly Bill 2030, introduced by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, bans retail establishments from selling nonprescription weight-control supplements or muscle-building products to consumers younger than 18 without a prescription. Complementary measures address youth vaping: Assembly Bill 762 and Assembly Bill 2667 penalize the sale of single-use vapor devices with integrated batteries and prohibit vapor product packaging or advertisements styled after snacks or school supplies. Additionally, Assembly Bill 1901 requires diaper manufacturers to disclose intentionally added ingredients.