Bill > A01525

This bill directs the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to create a new grading system for retail food stores, food service establishments, and food warehouses that uses letter grades A, B, or C to reflect the safety and sanitation of food-related businesses. Under this system, businesses would be required to prominently display their letter grade near their entrance, based on their most recent inspection results. Establishments receiving an A grade would be inspected approximately annually, while B-graded establishments would be inspected every nine months. Businesses would have the right to appeal their grade within 30 days of assignment and must continue to display the grade being appealed during that time. If a business requests a reinspection, they may be charged up to $250, though this does not prevent the department from conducting inspections in response to public complaints. The grading system will consider existing public health and sanitary code provisions to ensure compliance with state and local laws. The bill is set to take effect two years after becoming law, with preparatory rule-making allowed to begin immediately.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1525