At a time when affordability is top of mind for New Yorkers, a growing chorus of voices is sounding the alarm: S-1239 will increase the cost of grocery products for all New Yorkers. The bill creates a duplicative state bureaucracy on top of the federal Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) standards that already examine the safety of food ingredients. This bill would limit product access and result in significant price increases for families and small businesses who are already stretched far too thin. From national policy organizations to American voters to small business advocates, the consensus is clear – Governor Hochul should veto the bill and keep grocery prices affordable.

Here’s what they’re saying:

Consumer Brands Association: “New York families are already stretched thin at the grocery store, yet lawmakers just passed bill S-1239, which will raise costs and hurt local businesses. By creating a new state level reporting mandate for GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) ingredients, the bill adds unnecessary bureaucracy on top of existing federal standards that already ensure food safety. This legislation is projected to cost the state $21 million in its first three years and could drive grocery prices up by 12%. S-1239 is simply not needed. Consumer packaged goods manufacturers already follow rigorous, science-based safety standards to deliver the safe, affordable and convenient products consumers rely on every day. New York residents don’t need higher prices, more red tape or added confusion. A consistent national approach to ingredient safety is the better path, avoiding a costly state-by-state patchwork.”

New Yorkers for Safe and Affordable Groceries: “New Yorkers for Safe & Affordable Groceries (NYSAG) strongly opposes the passage of out-of-touch, elitist legislation that will increase the cost of groceries for hard-working New Yorkers and drag Governor Hochul’s affordability agenda. Governor Hochul should immediately veto S-1239 (Kavanagh)/A-1556 (Kelles), which will only increase costs on New Yorkers and for the Hochul administration, with no corresponding improvement to food safety. The legislation would create a duplicative state-level mandate for food ingredients already deemed safe under rigorous federal GRAS standards, costing the state alone $21 million over three years. Analysts warn that the legislation could cause grocery prices to rise as much as 6%, hitting low-income households and working families hardest at a time when they’re already struggling to pay for food, rent and transportation. New Yorkers are already stretched thin at the supermarket checkout. The last thing Albany should do is make groceries more expensive. We urge Governor Hochul to veto S-1239 and stand with New York’s families.”

Food Ingredient Safety Coalition: “This bill will create a new level of state bureaucracy on food producers, retailers, and distributors that duplicates existing federal oversight, costing $1.8 billion more to supply food and beverages to New Yorkers and hike grocery prices by 6% at the checkout line. Lawmakers should not be advancing a bill without explaining why they need to create an unnecessary bureaucratic burden when the cost of food is too high as it is.”

Food Industry Alliance of New York State: “New York families are already grappling with rising costs, yet S-1239 would only add to the burden by driving up grocery prices and placing additional strain on local businesses. The bill creates a redundant, New York-specific ingredient reporting requirement that imposes unnecessary bureaucracy despite existing federal standards that already ensure a safe food supply. The legislation is projected to cost the state $21 million in its first three years and could increase grocery prices by as much as 12%. We are disappointed in the legislature’s action but remain optimistic about the governor’s leadership and commitment to affordability, and we urge her to reject S-1239.”