CT SB00382

Commissioner of Consumer Protection must develop and implement guidelines by January 1, 2027 for retail food establishments to donate surplus edible food to nonprofit food distribution organizations via food recovery services

Retail food establishments (commercial wholesalers, distributors, industrial manufacturers, processors, and supermarkets) must submit annual reports on surplus food donations beginning January 1, 2028

Commissioner of Consumer Protection must report annually to General Assembly committees on consumer protection and public health starting February 1, 2028

Surplus edible food includes unsold items due to surplus, cosmetic appearance, approaching expiration dates, or non-safety-compromising packaging damage that still meet food safety standards

Act takes effect October 1, 2026