California legislators are considering a bill that would permit food manufacturers to label their products as "not ultra-processed," adding to the state's growing efforts to regulate food labeling. The proposed legislation comes as the definition and health impacts of ultra-processed foods remain subjects of intense scientific debate.
The bill arrives at a time when consumer awareness of food processing levels has increased, with many shoppers actively seeking less processed options. However, the scientific community has yet to reach consensus on what exactly constitutes ultra-processed food, creating potential confusion for both manufacturers and consumers.