Consumer Right to Know Act proposed for New York

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today (1/21/19) announced as part of his Executive Budget a proposal that would protect New Yorkers from unknown exposure to toxic chemicals. The "Consumer Right to Know Act" would authorize the Department of Environmental Conservation, in consultation with the Department of Health and the Department of State, to develop regulations establishing on-package labeling requirements for designated products indicating the presence of potentially hazardous chemicals, including carcinogens. Video of the Governor announcing this proposal is available on YouTube here and in TV quality (h.264, mp4) format here.

"The more we know about our exposure to chemicals, the more frightening the situation is," Governor Cuomo said. "Consumers have the right to know what is in the products they use, and requiring labeling on designated products will provide consumers with the information they deserve."

Under this proposal, the agencies will assess the feasibility of on-package labeling and develop regulations establishing a labeling requirement for designated products, developing a list of more than 1,000 carcinogens and other chemicals that will trigger labeling and identifying the types of consumer products that will be subject to the new regime.

In addition, the legislation will extend the Department of Environmental Conservation's previously established household cleaning product disclosure requirements to cover all cleaning products sold in New York State, and it will give the Department of Health the authority to require similar disclosure for the manufacturers of personal care products like shampoo, deodorant or baby powder. Under these requirements, cleaning product and personal care product manufacturers must make certain product ingredient information publicly available on their websites and on a publicly accessible database.