Brandon Neuschafer Speaks to Corporate Counsel on California's New Non-Ultraprocessed Food Seal

Arnold & Porter Consumer Products partner Brandon Neuschafer was quoted in the recent Corporate Counsel article, “California's Proposed Non-Ultraprocessed Food Seal Adds to Complex Patchwork,” discussing AB 2244, California's newly passed bill that would let the state accredit agents to certify foods as “non-ultraprocessed.”

Brandon said the approach could become a model other states and federal regulators look to as they weigh their own rules for the category. “California requirements are such that they can create a baseline for industry,” he said. “It's part of the overall story of California taking the lead on regulating a new issue.”

He also noted the state's own rules do not fully align, since California separately restricted ultraprocessed foods in schools earlier this year under a different definition. “There are going to be products that don't qualify for this non-UPF certification but can still be sold in schools,” he said. “To me, this creates more confusion for the consumer.”

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