State Senate Passes Sodium Warning Bill
ALBANY—On Tuesday, May 5, the New York State Senate passed the Sodium Warning Bill (S428A/A5207A), legislation designed to strengthen menu transparency at restaurants statewide and help consumers make informed choices. Sponsored by Senate Health Committee Chair Senator Gustavo Rivera and Assemblymember Karines Reyes, the bill would mandate clear warning icons on chain restaurant menus for items that exceed the daily recommended sodium limit, marking a significant step toward reducing sodium intake and lowering New Yorkers’ risk of chronic disease. The bill awaits debate on the Assembly floor.
New York City already requires chain restaurants to alert diners about high-sodium menu items using clear warning icons, which data shows help to increase customer awareness and reduce sodium content at stores. Fast food restaurants are predominately concentrated in communities of color, exposing children and families to high sodium content, linked to some of New York’s leading causes of death, including obesity, hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
“The Center for Science in the Public Interest applauds the New York State Senate for prioritizing nutrition transparency for communities statewide. High sodium intake is a leading driver of hypertension and heart disease, yet consumers too often lack clear, accessible information when dining out. This legislation arms New Yorkers with the critical information they need to make healthier choices, while also encouraging restaurants to innovate and offer lower sodium options. We urge the Assembly to follow the Senate’s example and pass this bill to protect New Yorkers’ health,” said CSPI Campaign Manager Dr. DeAnna Nara.
Each year, New Yorkers spend upwards of $40 million on healthcare for diabetes and hypertension. In a recent letter to Albany lawmakers, former New York State and New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett endorsed the Sodium Warning Bill as part of a larger food reform package to close health disparities.
