Edible food recovery is the act of recovering perfectly edible but discarded food from businesses, organizations, or events to community groups where it may be redistributed to those in need. All food donations must meet the food safety requirements of the California Retail Food Code.

If you are a large, food-generating business or organization you have new edible food recovery requirements under SB 1383. The new law took effect on Jan. 1, 2022.  

We have joined San Mateo County’s 22 other jurisdictions to create one countywide edible food recovery program to help all affected businesses and organizations meet the new mandatory requirements. This program is managed by the County of San Mateo Office of Sustainability and has recovered millions of pounds of food to date. 

Business owners, visit County of San Mateo to learn about the new edible food recovery requirements, the countywide program, and resources available to help you comply.