Donation of agricultural products; liability protection

This law includes many provisions that address the collection, processing, distribution, and donation of agricultural products. For example, it establishes that a “person or gleaner engaged in the business of processing, distributing, or selling an agricultural product may donate, free of charge, a product that is in a condition that it may be used as food for human consumption to a nonprofit charitable organization within the state” and that “food facilities may donate food directly to end recipients for consumption.” It further establishes that “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.” In addition, the law creates a food bank advisory committee.