NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., announced the Senate approval of S.7618B, a bill he co-sponsors, to establish clear food expiration labeling requirements, helping to reduce consumer confusion, cut food waste, and support New York’s climate and food security goals. 

The legislation would prohibit the use of vague and inconsistent phrases such as “Sell by” on food packaging and instead require two standardized labels: “Use by” to indicate food safety and “Best if Used by” to indicate peak quality. Manufacturers would also be required to use scientific methods to determine these dates.

“Too many families are throwing away perfectly safe food because confusing labels leave consumers guessing,” said Addabbo. “This commonsense legislation will help New Yorkers save money and reduce unnecessary food waste. Standardizing food date labels is a simple but powerful step toward a more sustainable and food-secure future.”

Currently, there are no enforceable federal or state standards on food date-labeling terminology, leading to consumer confusion. Research has shown that misunderstandings surrounding food labels contribute to roughly 7% of all consumer food waste.

Food waste remains one of the largest contributors to landfill methane emissions. Approximately 40% of food in the United States ends up discarded, much of it still edible. In New York, organic waste in landfills contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, and state estimates show that diverting food waste from landfills could reduce carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by more than 120,000 metric tons annually.

In addition to environmental benefits, advocates note that reducing edible food waste could help with food insecurity. Studies indicate that reducing just 5% of food currently wasted could increase food bank capacity by 20%.

Additionally, the bill directs the State Department of Agriculture and Markets to develop consumer education materials to explain the new labeling system, while requiring retailers to display signage to help shoppers understand the labels.

“This legislation is about helping consumers make informed decisions while reducing waste across the supply chain,” added Addabbo. “At a time when families are facing high grocery costs, and communities are confronting the impacts of climate change, New York has an opportunity to lead with smart, practical policy.”

The legislation includes provisions allowing retailers to sell existing inventory until current expiration dates and clarifies that the law will not conflict with federal labeling requirements.

The legislation now awaits action in the New York State Assembly.