Requires stores that sell meat, poultry or seafood to place a conspicuous sign informing consumers of their right to know when the food was cut and packaged

BILL NUMBER:A269

Title of bill

An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to providing notice of packaging date for meats, poultry and seafood

Purpose or general idea of bill

The purpose of this bill is to increase consumer awareness of perishable food packaging dates and store practices pertaining to such dates.

Summary of specific provisions

This bill would require retail food stores which offer for sale any perishable meat, poultry or seafood to post a conspicuous sign informing consumers of their rights with respect to the package dating of such products.

Justification

Consumers trust and rely on the open dating of perishable food products. Unfortunately, many consumers are unaware of current industry practices regarding the open dating of food products and are not informed as to what each date represents.

While many food products are open dated, there is no federal or New York State law which require the open dating of such products. The current system involves a voluntary dating system which was formulated and implemented by the food industry.

Prior legislative history

2007-2008: A.258 - referred to Agriculture 2005-2006: A.668 - referred to Agriculture 2003-2004: A.5161 - referred to Agriculture

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Ninety days after enactment.