S 4193 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Establishes "Fortifying Corn Masa Act."

This bill requires all corn masa flour and wet corn masa products sold in New Jersey to be fortified with folic acid to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects, which disproportionately affect Latino communities. Manufacturers must add specific amounts of folic acid to dry flour and wet products and clearly label these ingredients on nutrition facts panels. The law allows the state health commissioner to grant exemptions for specific products or companies if necessary. By making these changes, the legislation aims to ensure that dietary staples common in Central and South American cuisines provide essential nutritional benefits comparable to other fortified grains.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

May 2026

Committee Review

Jun 2026

Senate Passage

Jun 2026

General Assembly Passage

Jun 2026

Governor

Introduced May 11, 2026 Last action Jun 30, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced → Reprint · 6 edits

MODERATE

The First Reprint of S4193 (Fortifying Corn Masa Act) adds two new categories of exemptions from the folic acid fortification requirement: grocery stores (provided they also stock compliant products) and snack foods. It also adds corresponding definitions for 'grocery store' and 'snack foods.' These changes significantly narrow the scope of products subject to mandatory fortification.

Scope change

The bill's scope was narrowed by exempting two additional categories: grocery stores (conditionally) and snack foods. Previously only cottage food operators were exempt from the mandatory fortification requirement. The new grocery store exemption is conditional - they must also stock at least one compliant fortified product alongside any non-fortified corn masa flour they carry.

ELIGIBILITY

Added an exemption for grocery stores that sell non-fortified corn masa flour, as long as they also offer at least one compliant (fortified) corn masa flour product. This allows stores to carry both fortified and non-fortified options.

Added an exemption for snack foods, defined to include trail mix, popcorn, chips, crackers, hard pretzels, pork rinds, corn nuts, certain nuts, and packaged soft drinks with sweeteners. These products are now excluded from the fortification requirement entirely.

DEFINITION

Added a definition of 'grocery store' covering stores primarily engaged in retail sale of canned foods, dry goods, fresh produce, and meats, including convenience stores.

Added a definition of 'snack foods' listing specific product types such as chips, crackers, popcorn, trail mix, pork rinds, corn nuts, certain nuts, and packaged soft drinks with natural or artificial sweeteners.

SCOPE

The exemption provision in Section 4(d)(2) was restructured from a single cottage food operator exemption into a three-part list (cottage food operators, grocery stores, and snack foods), substantially broadening the categories of exempted products and sellers.

TECHNICAL

Added Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (District 19) and Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin (District 29) as sponsors, plus Assemblymen Schnall and Angelozzi as co-sponsors.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jun 30, 2026

Lower · Passed

Passed Assembly (Passed Both Houses) (75-2-0)

lower

Jun 30, 2026

Upper · Passed

Passed by the Senate (29-11)

upper

Jun 18, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Amendment (Voice) (Ruiz)

upper

Jun 11, 2026

Committee

Transferred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee

upper

May 11, 2026

Introduced

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee

upper

3 primary · 2 co-sponsors