BILL NUMBER: S428
SPONSOR: RIVERA
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to requiring chain
restaurants to label menu items that have a high content of sodium
 
PURPOSE:
To require chain restaurants to label menu items that have a high
content of sodium.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the Public Health Law by adding a new section 1357, as
it relates to chain restaurants and the sodium content of menu items, to
require chain restaurants to place a sodium warning icon next to any
standard menu item that exceeds the daily value for sodium. In this
section terms such as chain menu developer, chain restaurants, daily
value, food service establishment, menu or menu board, and standard menu
item are defined. The Department of Health would develop an icon with
accompanying text to indicate high sodium and would publish guidance
explaining the requirements of the section and how businesses can
comply. This section also establishes reporting requirements,
violations, and exemptions. Non-compliance with this section would be
subject to a civil penalty of up to $250 for each location that violates
the section.
Section 2 provides a severability clause.
Section 3 provides an effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that a person
consume less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. However, Americans eat on
average about 3,400 mg of sodium per day. High sodium intake is one of
the greatest food-related health problems in the nation, contributing to
health problems such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
Studies have shown that the vast majority of dietary salt comes from
processed foods and foods eaten outside of the home, such as food served
at restaurants.
While several companies have voluntarily made efforts to reduce salt in
table foods, the FDA continues to press the food industry to reduce
sodium content. This bill seeks to reduce the daily sodium intake of New
Yorkers by requiring the labeling of restaurant items that exceed the
recommended daily value for sodium as recommended by the FDA. With these
new guidelines, New Yorkers can make more informed choices about foods
to order for themselves and their families.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2019-2020: S4930-A Rivera/A3871-A Ortiz
2021-2022: S2532-B Rivera/A8860-B Reyes
2023-2024: S4890-A Rivera/A6529-A Reyes
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.