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SB 57

PUBLIC HEALTH: Provides relative to nutrition. (1/1/28)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Patrick McMath

SB 57 broadens exemptions from Louisiana nutrition labeling, removing QR code and FDA disclosures for foods for special dietary use and delaying some implementation steps.

Sent to the Governor by the Secretary of the Senate.
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Bill Summary · SB 57

Summary of SB 57 (Louisiana) – 2026 Regular Session

Purpose and intent

  • SB 57 proposes changes to Louisiana’s nutrition labeling requirements for certain food products, specifically relating to how artificial colors, additives, and chemicals are disclosed to consumers.
  • The bill would modify which products are exempt from labeling requirements and adjust when certain labeling provisions become effective.

Key provisions and changes

  • Exemption expansion: The bill adds “foods for special dietary use” to the list of products exempt from the existing labeling requirements. This grows the scope of items that do not have to display QR code and related statements currently mandated.
  • Existing labeling framework retained with adjustments: The underlying framework requiring a QR code and a statement directing consumers to the FDA’s website remains the baseline, but the exemptions list is broadened.
  • Effective dates and phased implementation:
    • The effective date for the newly added exemption (foods for special dietary use) aligns with the other labeling requirements and exemptions timing, with a staged implementation:
    • Section 5(D) establishes a delayed effective period for certain structural elements of the labeling regime (e.g., division headings and statutory sections) to take effect on December 31, 2028, while the core labeling requirements (including references to QR codes and FDA website directions) are set to become effective earlier (January 1, 2028 for related statutory provisions).
    • The bill’s amendments include explicit changes to existing statutory references to ensure the newly added exemptions are properly integrated into the labeling regime.

Who or what would be affected

  • Affected entities: Food manufacturers and retailers subject to Louisiana’s sanitary code labeling requirements, particularly those currently obligated to use QR codes and include FDA-directed statements.
  • Affected products: More foods would be exempt from the labeling requirements, specifically adding foods for special dietary use to the exempted category.
  • Consumers: In practice, some products would no longer require QR codes and the associated labeling disclosures, affecting how information about certain artificial colors, additives, or chemicals is presented.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective dates:
    • January 1, 2028: Related to R.S. 40:661 as enacted by Section 3 of the act (the core labeling framework and exemptions governed by the statute).
    • December 31, 2028: The heading of Part I-B and R.S. 40:661 as enacted by Section 3 become effective, and certain structural provisions (e.g., Section 5(D)) take effect.
  • Legislative history notes:
    • The bill was amended by the Senate Health and Welfare Committee in the 2026 Regular Session.
    • Original sponsor: Senator McMath; co-sponsor: Patrick McMath.
    • Prefiled and referred to committee prior to floor action, with amendments reported.

Practical impact considerations

  • Compliance: Manufacturers may need to review product categories to determine which foods for special dietary use qualify for exemption under the revised list.
  • Public health communications: The prior model required QR codes and FDA website references; exemptions reduce required consumer-facing labeling for certain products, potentially altering how consumers access information about additives and colors.
  • Transition planning: Firms should track the staggered effective dates to ensure compliance by the appropriate deadlines and adjust labeling systems accordingly.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison of current law vs. SB 57’s proposed changes, or a quick checklist for compliance considerations for manufacturers.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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