Efforts to Reduce Food Waste

The act requires the department of public health and environment (department), to the extent that funding is available as part of the department's green business network, to:

• Provide annual training that includes food waste prevention and reduction strategies;
• Develop a food waste reduction guidance document (document);
• Place the document on the department's public website; and
• Update the document at least annually.

The act suggests means by which retail food establishments may donate or resell safe food.

The act states that, on and after January 1, 2026, grocery stores are encouraged to:

• Clearly display the ingredients of items of prepared food; and
• Use "best if used or frozen by" dates rather than "sell by" dates upon prepared items of food.

Current law provides civil and criminal immunity to a farmer, retail food establishment, correctional facility, school district, hospital, or processor, distributor, wholesaler, or retailer of food that donates items of food to a nonprofit organization for use or distribution in providing assistance to individuals in need. The act extends this immunity to apply to:

• Faith-based organizations that donate food; and
• Food donations to faith-based organizations and individuals.

The act also clarifies that the immunity from liability applies regardless of whether the donated food is alleged to have caused illness or death.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)