IL HB2086

Amends the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to allow restaurants and retailers to fill or refill consumer-owned containers with bulk food, ready-to-eat foods, or dry bulk foods if dispensers prevent direct handling of the food.

Requires take-home containers provided by establishments to be maintained clean, sanitary, free from debris, smooth, durable, easy-to-clean, and incapable of causing or spreading disease.

Permits county health departments and municipalities to regulate but not prohibit the filling or refilling of consumer-owned containers, provided the dispensers prevent direct handling of bulk food.

Requires restaurants and retailers to isolate consumer-owned containers from serving surfaces or sanitize surfaces after each use, prepare written cross-contamination prevention procedures, and comply with handwashing requirements.

Directs the Department of Public Health to produce educational materials by January 1, 2024, clarifying that consumer-owned containers are permitted and providing best practices for food safety, sanitation, and cross-contamination prevention.