Title 51, Chapter 1, Section 31
( 51-1-31)
(a) As used in this Code section, the term: (1) "Canned food" means any food which has been commercially
processed and prepared for human consumption and which has been
commercially packaged in such a manner as to remain nonperishable
without refrigeration for a reasonable length of time. (2) "Donor" includes, but is not limited to, a farmer, processor,
distributor, commercial food service operator, wholesaler, or
retailer of food. (3) "Gleaner" means a person who harvests for use or distribution
an agricultural crop that has been donated by the owner. (4) "Perishable food" means any food that may spoil or otherwise
become unfit for human consumption because of its nature, type, or
physical condition. "Perishable food" includes, but is not
limited to, table-ready food, cooked foods, fresh or processed
meats, poultry, seafood, dairy products, bakery products, eggs,
fresh fruits or vegetables, and foods that have been
noncommercially or commercially packaged or that have been frozen
or otherwise require temperature control to remain nonperishable
for a reasonable length of time. (b) A good faith donor or gleaner of any canned or perishable food
apparently fit for human consumption who donates such food to a bona
fide charitable or nonprofit organization for use or distribution
shall not be subject to criminal penalty or civil damages arising
from the condition of the food, unless an injury is caused by the
recklessness or intentional misconduct of the donor or gleaner. (c) A bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization which accepts
any canned or perishable food apparently fit for human consumption
from a good faith donor or gleaner for use or distribution shall not
be subject to criminal penalty or civil damages arising from the
condition of the food, unless an injury is caused by the
recklessness or intentional misconduct of the charitable or
nonprofit organization. (d) The provisions of this Code section apply to the good faith
donation of canned or perishable food not readily marketable due to
appearance, freshness, grade, surplus, or other such considerations. (e) The provisions of this Code section shall not be construed to
restrict the authority of any lawful agency otherwise to regulate or
ban the use of food for human consumption. |