New York City Food Standards

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Submission Date: December 2013

Entry Type: Case Study

State/Territory Submitted on the Behalf of: New York

States/Territories Involved: New York

Domain Addressed:

Environmental Approaches

Public Health Issue:

According to the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, New York City health statistics show:

  • 58% of adults and 40% of elementary school children are overweight or obese
  • One in three adult New Yorkers has diabetes or pre-diabetes
  • Nearly 29% of adult New Yorkers report that they have been diagnosed with high blood pressure

Project Objectives:

The New York City Food Standards were created with the goal of improving the health of all New Yorkers served by City agencies by decreasing risk of chronic disease related to poor nutritional intake.

Program Action:

On September 19, 2008, the Mayor of New York City (Mayor Bloomberg) signed Executive Order 122 which established the New York City Food Standards for food purchased and meals served.

  • Standards for Meals/Snacks Purchased and Served were enacted September 2008 and revised in October 2011. Nutrient standards are supplied for trans fat and sodium. Food category standards includes sodium, sugar, fiber and caloriies.
  • Standards for Beverage Vending Machines were enacted May 2009 and apply to all beverage vending machines contracted by City agencies.
  • Standards for Food Vending Machines were enacted December 2011 and apply to all food vending machines on City property.
  • Standards for Meetings and Events were enacted March 2013 and apply to food served at meetings and events sponsored by City agencies.
  • Standards for commissaries in City correctional facilities were enacted March 2013
  • Find the Standards at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/living/agency-food-standards.shtml

Data/Other Information Collected:

N/A

Impact/Accomplishments:

The Executive order also established the position of Food Policy Coordinator for the City of New York within the Office of the Mayor, who reports to the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services and the Mayor.

Program Areas:

Healthy Communities (general), Social Determinants of Health, Other

State Contact Information:

New York

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