California · Health and Safety Code - HSC

HSC §114433: A person, gleaner, or food facility that donates food as permitted by Section 114432 shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability or penalty for violation of any laws, regulations, or ordinance

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

Food donors are protected from civil and criminal liability when donating food under the California Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, including expired but safe food.

Read the full statutory text

A person, gleaner, or food facility that donates food as permitted by Section 114432 shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability or penalty for violation of any laws, regulations, or ordinances regulating the labeling or packaging of the donated product or, with respect to any other laws, regulations, or ordinances, for a violation occurring after the time of the donation. The donation of nonperishable food that is fit for human consumption but that has exceeded the labeled shelf life date recommended by the manufacturer is protected under the California Good Samaritan Food Donation Act. The donation of perishable food that is fit for human consumption but that has exceeded the labeled shelf life date recommended by the manufacturer is protected under the California Good Samaritan Food Donation Act if the person that distributes the food to the end recipient makes a good faith evaluation that the food to be donated is wholesome.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.