A6558A

Assembly Bill 6558A, an act to amend the Public Health Law, was laid aside on the Senate floor at the request of Sen. Lanza. The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Lunsford, did not proceed to a vote.

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring food establishments to label prepackaged foods with allergen information, passing 47-12 with support from food allergy advocacy organizations. Assembly Bill 6558A, sponsored by Sen. Harckham, requires labeling of nine major allergens—milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, sesame, and soybeans—in prepackaged foods like sandwiches and salads prepared on-site. Harckham said the bill closes a gap between federally-regulated packaged goods and prepackaged foods, noting over 2 million New Yorkers have food allergies and approximately 200 Americans die annually from allergic reactions. He cited endorsements from 19 organizations including the Food Allergy Research and Education organization and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation. The bill was prompted by a young man who went into anaphylactic shock from an unlabeled prepackaged item. Opponents, led by Sen. Borrello, argued the requirement unfairly burdens small businesses like delis and restaurants, creating legal liability without meaningfully improving safety since consumers can ask about ingredients at the counter. Borrello questioned the logic of requiring labels on prepackaged items while exempting fresh-made items with identical ingredients. The bill takes effect one year after becoming law.