Key Updates About New California Laws
Effective January 1, 2026:
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Fortification of Corn Tortillas:
- A new law mandates that most store-bought corn tortillas and corn masa products must contain 0.7 mg of folic acid per pound.
- Wet corn masa products are allowed to have 0.4 mg of folic acid per pound.
- This initiative aims to prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly.
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Exemption for Small Businesses:
- Smaller businesses producing their own masa products are exempt from this requirement.
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Labeling Requirements:
- Products must include a folic acid declaration on the Nutrition Facts label.
- A statement confirming the inclusion of corn masa flour or the use of a wet corn masa process is required.
Other Recent Legislative Changes:
- Plastic Bag Ban: The ban on single-use plastic bags will expand to all plastic bags as of January 1.
- Food Delivery Regulations: Platforms must provide full refunds for undelivered or incorrect orders and disclose detailed payment breakdowns for drivers.
- Restaurant Allergen Information: Starting in July, restaurants will be required to list major allergens in menu items.
- Streaming Service Advertisements: Also in July, streaming services cannot have ads louder than the content being watched.
These laws reflect a commitment to public health and consumer protection.