New Jersey Assembly Bill A1418

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Establishes standards for food date labeling; requires Commissioner of Health to establish public education program and promulgate guidelines related to food safety.

Impact

If enacted, A1418 would significantly influence how food manufacturers label products in New Jersey. The revised requirements would mean retailers will be prohibited from selling or donating food past its elevated-risk date, thus enforcing stricter controls over food safety in stores. Additionally, the bill exempts alcoholic beverages from its provisions and alters the labeling for fluid dairy products from 'sell-by' or 'not to be sold after' to defined quality date labeling. This is expected to improve overall consumer trust in food labeling and safety, encouraging higher standards across the food industry.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1418 seeks to establish standards for food date labeling in New Jersey, specifically mandating that food manufacturers adhere to specific labeling guidelines related to quality dates and elevated-risk dates. The legislation distinguishes between a 'quality date,' which indicates when the food may begin to deteriorate but is still safe for consumption, and an 'elevated-risk date,' which warns consumers that the food poses a high risk post that date. The intention behind this bill is to enhance food safety for consumers and provide clarity on food product quality.

Contention

There may be some potential points of contention regarding the bill, particularly in relation to the liability of retail food facilities. A1418 states that retailers would not be liable for failing to enforce a manufacturer's labeling errors, which some may argue could perpetuate negligence regarding food safety. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the public education programs mandated by the Commissioner of Health could be scrutinized, as the success of the law ultimately hinges not just on implementation, but also effective consumer understanding and compliance with the new labeling standards.