Joint Coalition Letter-AB 2244(Gabriel) Request for Signature

AB 2244 Gabriel.Request for Signature.pdf

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August 28, 2026

The Honorable Gavin Newsom

Governor of California

1021 O Street, Suite 9000

Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: AB 2244 (Gabriel) – Request for Signature

Dear Governor Newsom:

We strongly support Assembly Bill 2244 (Gabriel) and ask for your signature. AB

2244 utilizes California's first-in-the-nation definition of ultra-processed foods

(UPFs) and creates a voluntary “Non-Ultraprocessed Certified” seal that gives

consumers a clear, trusted way to identify healthier food options for their

families.

Decades of peer-reviewed research have linked high consumption of UPFs to

serious chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, Type 2

diabetes, metabolic disorders, dementia, and reproductive harm. UPFs now

make up more than half of all calories consumed by adults in the U.S. and nearly

two-thirds of the calories consumed by children.

UPFs are not merely processed foods. They are often engineered with industrial

ingredients and additives to trigger the brain's reward system, override fullness

signals, and promote overconsumption. Experts estimate that 14% of adults and

12% of children meet criteria for UPF addiction - rates comparable to alcohol

and tobacco.

Consumers want to make better choices, but they do not have practical

information at the point of purchase. A 2025 national survey found that 72% of

Americans are trying to reduce their UPF intake, yet fewer than half could correctly identify common ultra-processed products. A separate study of more

than 50,000 products at Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods found that most

offerings across all three stores fell in the ultra-processed category.

AB 2244 creates a science-based voluntary certification program administered

through CDPH-accredited third-party agents, backed by a public product

registry. Food certified through this program may bear the seal “Non-

Ultraprocessed Certified.” No food manufacturer is required to participate, and

only large grocers that already carry more than 25 certified items are required to

place at least three of those items in “clearly identifiable” locations, using a

good faith effort to do so.

To be clear, the bill does not label all processed foods as unhealthy or prevent

nutritious products from qualifying for the non-UPF seal. Rather, it draws a

science-based distinction between processed foods and ultra-processed foods.

Foods containing natural spices and seasonings can still qualify, and nutrient-

dense products remain eligible so long as they do not contain the “cosmetic

additives” or other disqualifying substances identified in the existing definition. In

other words, the bill targets the characteristics that distinguish UPFs, not

processing itself.

In short, AB 2244 establishes a clear, accountable, state-backed standard, and

the "Non-Ultraprocessed Certified" seal gives families a simple and reliable signal

when they are trying to choose less processed foods.

For all these reasons, we are pleased to support AB 2244 and ask for you to sign

this important measure. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

(Full list of coalition partners on attachment)