Bill > S07618

This bill mandates that food manufacturers, processors, and retailers use specific, uniform terms on food labels to indicate either a "USE by" or "USE by or Freeze by" date for safety, or a "BEST if Used by" or "BEST if Used or Frozen by" date for quality, with abbreviated "UB" and "BB" options for very small items; these new labeling rules will apply to food manufactured on or after July 1, 2028, and will prohibit the use of the phrase "sell by" on food labels, though coded "sell by" dates not easily readable by consumers are still permitted. The bill also requires those responsible for date labeling to estimate a food's shelf life using scientifically valid methods, considering factors like ingredients, processing, packaging, and typical storage and transportation conditions, including home storage temperatures for refrigerated items. Furthermore, the Department of Agriculture and Markets will be responsible for educating consumers about these new date labels through its website and outreach activities targeting various groups, and will require stores to post signage explaining the meaning of safety and quality dates, with exceptions for infant formula, alcoholic beverages, and certain shellfish labeling requirements, and it will not prevent the sale or donation of food past its quality date or the use of labels that direct consumers to online information.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7618