New York legislature mandates allergen labeling on prepackaged food products

The New York Legislature convened on June 5, 2025, to discuss a significant bill aimed at enhancing food safety through allergen labeling. The proposed legislation mandates that retailers who prepackage food for sale, such as delis and bakeries, must clearly label their products with any of the seven major allergens defined by the FDA. These allergens include wheat, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and sesame.

During the session, the bill's sponsor, Ms. Lunsford, clarified that the labeling requirement focuses solely on major allergens, meaning that not every ingredient needs to be listed. For example, if a product contains peanuts, it would simply need to state "contains peanuts" rather than listing all forms of peanuts or related ingredients. This change aims to simplify the labeling process while ensuring consumer safety.

The discussion also addressed the implementation timeline for the new labeling requirements, which has been extended to one year from the bill's passage. Legislators expressed concerns about the practicality of labeling in various retail environments, including grocery stores and smaller establishments. Ms. Lunsford emphasized that the goal is to make allergen information readily available to consumers, particularly busy parents, without requiring them to navigate complex inquiries at deli counters.

Questions arose regarding whether smaller food establishments, such as neighborhood bodegas, would be exempt from these requirements based on their size or volume. Ms. Lunsford confirmed that there would be no exemptions, as the legislation aims to protect all consumers, regardless of where they purchase their food.

The bill also sparked discussions about its applicability to food trucks and schools. While food trucks may not typically offer prepackaged foods, Ms. Lunsford indicated that establishments operating in public markets could fall under the new regulations. However, it was noted that schools might not be included in this legislation, as they are governed by different regulations.

The session concluded with a poignant reminder of the importance of allergen labeling, as Ms. Jackson shared a tragic story about a young girl who died from an allergic reaction due to inadequate labeling. This testimony underscored the urgency of the bill, which ultimately passed with a vote of 139 in favor and 6 against.

As the legislation moves forward, the Department of Health will be tasked with overseeing the implementation and enforcement of these new labeling requirements, ensuring that consumers are better informed about the food they purchase.