A proposal to change food labels so consumers will know without question when something is safe to eat has been approved by the New York State Legislature and awaits Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature.
The New York Food Date Labeling Act would limit food sellers to labeling items one of two ways:
The legislation also calls for eliminating “sell by” dates from labels, which do not indicate safety but are used by stores to manage inventory.
Currently, there are no federal or state regulations around food-date labeling, the text of the bill states. The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides some guidance, but it is not enforceable, “which creates consumer confusion around the meaning of terms such as ‘sell by,’ ‘best before,’ and ‘use by.’”
Food waste is the single largest type of material placed in municipal landfills.
“By implementing this, we can reduce food waste by approximately 20%, reduce methane emissions from landfilled food waste, and save consumers from (unnecessarily) replacing food that is still completely edible,” the bill reads.
Food banks would benefit too, it notes, because more food would be eligible for redistribution, reaching more New Yorkers in need.
The act would take effect six months after being signed into law.
The primary sponsor is state Sen. Michelle Hinchey. Co-sponsors are Sens. Joseph Addabbo, Samra Brouk, Siela Bynoe, Patricia Fahy, Nathalia Fernandez, Kristen Gonzalez, Pete Harckham, Brian Kavanagh, Liz Krueger, Rachel May, Dean Murray, Steve Rhoads and Jose Serrano.
Reporter Marcia Greenwood primarily covers the grocery business and consumer-focused grocery news, as well as retail development, openings and closings. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on X @MarciaGreenwood.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: New York bill aims to fix confusing food date labels
Reporting by Marcia Greenwood, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Marcia Greenwood, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | USA TODAY Network
