New York Senate Bill S07618

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/23/25
• Refer: 4/23/25
• Report Pass: 5/14/25

Caption

Requires certain labelling to be used to indicate the safety dates and quality dates of food items; requires the department of agriculture and markets to educate consumers about such provisions.

Impact

The new requirements are set to take effect on July 1, 2027, which gives stakeholders time to adjust to the changes. Food items produced on or after this date must comply with the new labeling standards, and failure to do so will prevent them from being sold in New York. This legislation could significantly influence food manufacturers and retailers, as they will need to adapt their products and labels accordingly, leading to increased operational changes in inventory management and compliance.

Summary

S07618 amends the agriculture and markets law to establish food safety and quality date labeling requirements aimed at improving consumer information regarding the freshness and safety of food products. The bill mandates that food manufacturers, processors, or retailers must use standardized labeling terms for dates that reflect safety and quality, such as 'USE by', 'BEST if Used by', 'UB', and 'BB'. This uniformity is intended to eliminate confusion among consumers about the different date labels currently in use, enhancing food safety standards across the state.

Contention

The bill garnered attention due to concerns about potential impacts on food donation practices and consumer access to food past quality dates. While it clarifies that food items can still be donated even if past the quality date, some critics worry that the rigorous labeling could lead to increased food waste if consumers misinterpret the safety dates. The legislation also establishes a duty for the Department of Agriculture and Markets to educate consumers about date labeling, which could mitigate confusion but introduces additional regulatory responsibilities.

Notable_points

The act not only imposes specific labeling requirements but also demands the department to facilitate consumer education through outreach activities targeting retailers and food banks. Additionally, it provides exceptions for certain items, such as infant formula and alcoholic beverages, recognizing their unique regulations. The bill's comprehensive approach signifies a progressive step towards harmonizing food safety communication and could serve as a model for similar legislation in other states.