The California State Assembly has introduced new legislation aimed at strengthening oversight of food additives and improving transparency in ingredient labeling. California Assembly Bill 2034 proposes amendments to the state’s food safety framework under the Sherman Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Law.
The bill was introduced in February 2026 by Dawn Addis with co-authors Damon Connolly and Gregg Hart. The proposed legislation aims to establish a state-level notification and licensing system for certain food additives and dietary ingredients used in food products sold in California.Key Proposed Measures
If enacted, AB 2034 would introduce several regulatory requirements for food manufacturers:
State notification for new additives: Companies intending to use a new food additive or dietary ingredient would be required to submit a notice to the California Department of Public Health containing safety information similar to that required in federal GRAS notifications.
State review and licensing: The California Department of Public Health would review the submitted information and may issue or deny a license for the additive following an assessment of safety data.
Public transparency: Notices submitted to the state would be published in a publicly accessible database, enabling regulators, researchers, and the public to review safety information.
Disclosure of unlisted ingredients: Manufacturers would be required to provide the state with complete ingredient information for packaged foods sold in California when certain components are not individually listed on product labels, such as ingredients grouped under “natural flavors” or similar terms.
Periodic safety reassessments: The legislation would also require the state to reassess the safety of at least ten food additives, color additives, or dietary ingredients every three years beginning in 2030.
Addressing Federal Regulatory Gaps
Supporters of the bill argue that the measure seeks to address perceived regulatory gaps related to the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) system administered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Under the current federal framework, manufacturers may determine the safety of certain ingredients without mandatory premarket approval.
Under AB 2034, substances introduced after 1958 that have not undergone formal federal review may require additional safety documentation submitted to state authorities before they can be used in foods sold in California.
Implementation Timeline
If enacted in its current form, key provisions—including the notification and disclosure requirements—would begin taking effect on July 1, 2027.
Current Status-As of March 2026, the bill has been introduced in the California State Assembly and is awaiting committee consideration.