New York legislators have introduced a bill requiring food manufacturers to disclose unreviewed additives in their products. The New York Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act, introduced by Sen. Brian Kavanagh and Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles, mandates companies to report additives that have been self-declared as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) without FDA review.
Unlike previous state regulations that have banned certain food additives, this bill focuses on transparency. Companies selling food in New York must submit scientific safety data on these additives to the state’s Department of Agriculture and Markets, making the information publicly available.
The legislation targets a regulatory gap that allows companies to introduce additives without independent oversight. A 2013 report by the Pew Charitable Trust found that an estimated 1,000 chemicals have entered the U.S. food system without FDA notification due to the GRAS loophole. The issue is particularly relevant to children, as some food dyes and preservatives have been linked to hyperactivity and other health concerns.
The bill’s financial impact on public schools is expected to be minimal. While healthier foods can be slightly more expensive, transportation and labor costs make up most of school meal expenses. Research also suggests that improving school nutrition can bring long-term economic benefits, including lower healthcare costs and better student outcomes.
The bill is currently under review by the Senate Agriculture Committee. It could set a precedent for stronger food safety measures nationwide if passed.