New York State Senate Passes Sodium Warning Bill

ALBANY, NY (06/12/2025) (readMedia)-- Yesterday, the New York State Senate passed the Sodium Warning Bill (S428/A5207), marking a critical step in addressing high sodium consumption-a major contributor to chronic illnesses like hypertension, heart disease, and stroke, which remain among the leading causes of death in New York.

This legislation, sponsored by Senator Gustavo Rivera and Assemblymember Karines Reyes, would require chain restaurants to include a sodium warning icon on menus next to items that exceed 2,300 milligrams of sodium, the daily recommended limit.

If left unchecked, the health and economic costs of diet-related disease will continue to rise. The total projected cost of chronic diseases in New York between 2016 and 2030 is $2.2 trillion. If current trends persist, the estimated cost per resident will reach $7,900 annually in medical and productivity losses by 2030. In New York State, medication alone to manage hypertension costs $29 billion each year, with $3.4 billion paid directly by individuals. The bill now awaits action in the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.

"The Center for Science in the Public Interest commends the New York State Senate for recognizing the urgency of this reform," said Dr. DeAnna Nara, CSPI Senior Policy Associate. "New Yorkers deserve transparency about the foods they're eating. Sodium warning icons empower individuals to make informed choices-especially in communities where fast food restaurants are prevalent and diet-related illnesses are disproportionately high. This bill is not just about consumer information; it's about reducing preventable disease, and easing the economic burden on our healthcare system. We urge the Assembly to act swiftly to pass the Sodium Warning Bill before the end of the legislative session-and give every New Yorker the chance to make choices that protect their health."

"Limiting our daily sodium intake is critical to preventing heart disease and other health conditions," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Chair of the Health Committee. "I am proud that the Senate passed my bill today that would help New Yorkers make informed decisions about their food when visiting chain restaurants in our State. Evidence shows that restaurant foods contain more sodium per calorie than store-bought foods. I will continue to advocate for initiatives that improve health outcomes for New Yorkers by making healthier choices easier to make."

"Today's Senate passage of legislation that would require sodium warning labels on chain restaurants menus marks a critical step forward for the heart health of all New Yorkers," said Neil Yager, D.O., cardiologist and president of the board of directors of the American Heart Association in Albany. "High sodium intake is a leading contributor to high blood pressure-a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Clear, visible sodium warnings on chain restaurant menus will empower consumers to make more informed choices and help reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease across our state. We applaud the Senate for prioritizing public health and urge the Assembly to follow suit."

BACKGROUND:

The Sodium Warning Bill (S428/A5207): Mirrors existing legislation, including calorie counts and sodium warnings already in effect in chain restaurants around New York City. The bill requires chain restaurants to display warning icons on menu items containing more than the daily recommended sodium limit of 2,300 milligrams. By providing clear, accessible information to diners, the legislation aims to reduce sodium intake across the population, help address rates of chronic disease, and improve public health outcomes.

Why Sodium Reduction Matters:

• Hypertension Epidemic: Over 4.5 million adults in New York report having hypertension, with 79% of those individuals relying on medication to manage the condition?.
• Excess Sodium in Diets: New York City's fast food restaurants are already concentrated in Black and Latino communities. Despite the serious health risks, many of these chains fail to provide clear nutritional information about their menu items which, on average, have more sodium per calorie compared to foods purchased in stores - making dining out a significant contributor to excessive sodium intake??.
• Chronic Disease Burden: Excessive sodium consumption increases the risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke, which are among the leading causes of death and disability in New York.

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