FAQ

Foods containing common food allergens can be donated, following standard procedures. We recommend including an allergen list on food products, but it is not required in order to be donated.

Nonprofits distributing food without allergen lists are responsible for disclosing that the food may contain allergens, or have been prepared, stored, or transported near foods containing allergens. Nonprofits should recommend not consuming the food if an individual has allergens.

Products must be labeled with the date that food was prepared and the type of food. We recommend including a description of the ingredients and an allergen list.

Put simply, no. If products are stored following standard food safety principles, there is no issue setting them aside for donation. To avoid confusion, businesses can have a dedicated and clearly labeled area for donations to be stored until pick-up.

Expiration and sell-by labels indicate when an item is past peak quality. This has little impact on the safety of consuming that item.* If a product has no visible decay, and is still wholesome and fit for consumption, then it is perfectly fine to donate.

*Baby food/formula are the only products that can not be donated past the sell-by date.

Food donations should be handled the same as food that is being sold. This includes proper temperature control and other food safety procedures.