What California’s Food Labeling Law Could Mean For Utah Shoppers

Many regulations that start in California end up in Utah because that state has so much sway on the west. A new bill was signed by Governor Newsom that allows companies to put a new label on packaging that says the food is not ultra-processed.

Introducing the New 'Not Ultra-Processed' Label

These companies will have to meet certain standards certified by the California Department of Health. This label would be helpful for people trying to choose food that is healthier. Ultra-processed foods are high in sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats.

Because California has nearly 40 million people living there, it might make sense to these companies to use the same packaging for the surrounding states. This could be helpful for people in Utah looking for non-processed options.

Challenges with Food Labeling: The Risk of Deceptive Practices

Where this can become a problem is if companies find loop holes around the standards. There is a long history of deceptive labeling where, what a product claims on the label, is not completely true.

There have been breakfast cereals that made claims about what they provide in nutrition that just weren't true. Plastic containers that have a recycle symbol even though the container wasn't recyclable.

Hopefully, this new UPF label coming from California won't become the next example.

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The truth is we like ultra-processed food because it tastes good and is full of sugar and carbohydrates. It would be tempting to create a product people like to consume and slap a label on it that says it is healthy.