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.
Same As
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.
Directs the department of agriculture and markets to increase the number of regional farmers' markets for the direct marketing of foods and produce produced in the state.
Requires animal shelters to annually report on intake and disposition of animals and the number of animals turned away by such shelters; requires shelters to submit such reports to the department of agriculture and markets; requires such department to post the reports on their website.
Requires the department of agriculture and markets to post the results of its graded inspections of retail food stores on their website and provide information as to where a customer may file a consumer report.
Requires the department of agriculture and markets to develop and maintain a database on the impact of climate change on agriculture; requires farmers to report to the department on the impact of climate change on agriculture, including but not limited to crops grown, outcomes and yield.
Requires certain high-volume third-party sellers in the online marketplace to provide certain information to the online marketplace; requires verification of such information and technical safeguards for use of such data; requires notifications; preempts local laws.
Requires the department of agriculture and markets to maintain a publicly available database of the results of its graded inspections on its website; requires the department to provide information as to where a customer may file a consumer report; requires the department to facilitate and coordinate the planning and implementation of an awareness and educational program to inform the general public on the standards retail food stores shall meet and how consumers may report retail food stores with poor sanitary conditions.
Requires the department of agriculture and markets to maintain a publicly available database of the results of its graded inspections on its website; requires the department to provide information as to where a customer may file a consumer report; requires the department to facilitate and coordinate the planning and implementation of an awareness and educational program to inform the general public on the standards retail food stores shall meet and how consumers may report retail food stores with poor sanitary conditions.
Requires applicants for a license to grow adult-use or medical cannabis to submit an energy efficiency plan to the department of agriculture and markets; sets resource efficiency requirements for such cannabis growers.
Requires the creation of a thirteen member advisory board within the department of agriculture and markets on food safety and inspection programs; establishes such board is to advise, counsel and confer with the commissioner of agriculture and markets on matters dealing with enforcement of laws and regulations regarding food safety and protection and shall make recommendations regarding any necessary statutory or regulatory changes.