NY S08615

Adds definition of "GRAS substance" to agriculture and markets law, referring to food additives recognized as safe either through scientific procedures or, for pre-1958 substances, through scientific procedures or prolonged use in food.

Requires persons to submit detailed reports to the commissioner before selling or using GRAS substances in food, including information on substance identity, manufacturing method, dietary exposure estimates, and safety basis, with reports to be made publicly available in an online searchable database.

Exempts from reporting requirements: substances with federal FDA approval, prior-sanctioned or federally-recognized GRAS substances, food contact substances with premarket notification, substances subject to federal approval, and traditional natural food ingredients consumed since before 1958 without known harm.

Requires the commissioner to maintain a public database of submitted GRAS reports that is searchable and downloadable, with trade secrets redacted but safety data remaining visible; commissioner may refuse to list substances with incomplete reports.

Exempts small businesses as defined in economic development law from reporting requirements and prohibits basing GRAS determinations on trade secrets.