N.Y. Agriculture & Markets Law Section 50-E
Legislative finding and declaration of policy

It is hereby declared that cream, half and half, milk and mixtures of milk and cream have long been accepted by the consuming public; recognized as wholesome and nutritious articles of food, and their composition generally understood by consumers. Advances in food technology have resulted in the development of a variety of products for similar usage including dairy foods of lower butterfat and blends made with vegetable oils and with proteins from sources other than dairy products; products which are so similar in appearance, odor and taste that they are difficult to differentiate from dairy products. It is further declared to be the purpose of this article to promote honesty and fair dealing in the interest of consumers, to insure fair competition with a highly regulated dairy industry which is of considerable economic importance to the economy of the state and to prevent confusion and deception in the sale of such foods by establishing definitions and standards of identity for such foods, and by providing for rules and regulations which will effect their orderly marketing and insure similar sanitary standards. It is the further intent of the legislature, in view of the well known nutritional qualities of whole milk (including standardized milk) and other dairy products that the burden of proof of nutritional claims of products offered for sale to consumers which have the appearance, odor and taste of whole milk (including standardized milk) or other dairy products is placed on the persons or corporations offering the product or products for sale to consumers.

Source: Section 50-E — Legislative finding and declaration of policy, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/AGM/50-E (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Feb. 28, 2026).

46
Declaration of policy 46–A
Regulations 47
Care and feed of cows, and care and keeping of milk 47–A
Regulating the handling and sale of products made from recovered milk fat and solids 48
Receptacles to be cleansed before returning 49
Insanitary cans and receptacles condemned 50–E
Legislative finding and declaration of policy 50–F
Definitions and standards of identity 50–G
Licenses to manufacturers of melloream 50–H
Entry, inspection and investigation 50–I
Labeling of melloream and vegetable oil blends 50–J
Serving melloream, vegetable oil blends and cream in restaurants and other public eating places 50–K
Rules and regulations 51
Milk inspection 52
Presumptions in regard to cream and skim milk 54
Regulations in regard to manufactories, plants or places where milk or cream is brought or received 55
Skimmed milk, whey, buttermilk or milk container or plant equipment rinsings to be heated before being used for feeding 56
Determination of the content of milk and/or cream where purchase or settlement therefor is made on the basis of such content 56–A
Taking of composite sample 56–B
Determination of bacteria in milk and/or cream where purchase or settlement is made therefor on the basis of bacterial count 57
Licensing of persons in charge of milk-gathering stations, manufactories or plants 57–A
Licensing of persons making bacterial counts of milk and/or cream or making tests of milk and/or cream to detect certain abnormalities 59
Powers of the department concerning oleomargarine 61
Manufacture, sale, and use of oleomargarine 62
Coloring matter, dairy terms, size of package, labeling, false advertising 63
Labeling of imitation cheese 67
Manufacturers identification markings and grade brands for cheese 67–B
Pasteurization of cheese 68
Use of false brand prohibited 69
County trade marks 70
Branded cans, jars, bottles, cases, boxes or barrels not to be sold, remarked or used without consent of owner 71
Registration of mark
Green check means up to date. Up to date

Verified:
Feb. 28, 2026

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 50-E. Legislative finding & declaration of policy's source at nysenate​.gov

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