The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act 1996

Type de pratique Reuse for food

Nom de la pratique The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act 1996

Nom de l’acteur principal USA Government

Type d’acteur(s) Autorités publiques

Pays United States of America

Etape de mise en œuvre Consommation, Vente au détail

Année de mise en œuvre 1996

Opérations déjà accomplies/en cours This act protects food donors from both “civil and criminal liability arising from the nature, age, packaging or condition of apparently wholesome food or apparently fit grocery products.” This means that food donors will not be liable for what they give away, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. This bill is now backed by the Federal Food Donation Act 2008, which contains provisions aimed at supporting the work of food banks and charities that collect food and redistribute it to needy people, while it reiterates the exemption from liability for donors. Also, large companies are allowed to deduct the cost of the donated food against tax. Furthermore, community food providers, local authorities and health agencies usually offer a number of solutions and hints for donors to protect themselves from liability claims through, for example, establishing operational standards, handling procedures and sound product tracking systems. They also issue guidelines and material to train staff and volunteers on the best ways to ensure that donated food stays fresh and safe until consumed.

Résultats et impacts For example, the state of Minnesota has established the ‘Food Safety Guidelines for Onsite Feeding Locations, Food Shelves and Food Banks’ that duly guides community food providers.