New York Senate Bill S07618

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/23/25
• Refer: 4/23/25
• Report Pass: 5/14/25
• Refer: 1/7/26
• Engrossed: 3/24/26
• Refer: 3/24/26

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, S07618 will significantly impact how food products are labeled and marketed in New York. It will prohibit the sale of food items that do not comply with the new labeling standards starting July 1, 2028. The bill also empowers the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets to enforce these labeling requirements and educate consumers on their significance. This aims to enhance food safety and reduce food waste by ensuring that consumers are better informed about the products they buy.

Summary

Bill S07618 proposes amendments to the agriculture and markets law concerning food safety and quality date labeling requirements. Under this bill, all food manufacturers, processors, and retailers must adhere to uniform terms for labeling food items, such as 'USE by' or 'BEST if Used by,' to clearly indicate safety and quality dates. This move aims to standardize the approach to food labeling across New York State and eliminate confusion for consumers regarding the freshness and safety of food products they purchase.

Contention

There are potential points of contention related to this bill, especially regarding how it may impact businesses, particularly small retailers and food producers who may struggle with the costs of compliance. Moreover, while the bill aims to improve consumer safety, there may be concerns about the feasibility of uniformly implementing these standards across diverse food products and businesses. Critics may argue that the bill could inadvertently lead to increased costs for consumers and provide undue burden on smaller businesses struggling to adapt to the new regulations.