Senate committee backs bill to allow donation of eggs past quality‑assurance date

The committee recommended to pass and refer to the Finance Committee Senate File 3891, a bill to permit retailers and food banks to relabel and distribute eggs that are still safe to eat after the package quality‑assurance date.

Senator McQuaid told the committee that the change would align Minnesota law with FDA practice and other states, allowing retailers to donate eggs up to 30 days past the quality‑assurance date instead of discarding them. "Eggs are frequently listed as being one of the most in‑demand items at food shelves," she said, noting recent, record‑high food‑shelf visits in Minnesota.

April Raug, strategic partnerships director at Open Cupboard, testified that food shelves frequently receive donations from retailers and that access to donated eggs would provide a consistent source of protein for people experiencing food insecurity. "This bill is a no cost solution at a time of unprecedented need," she said, describing Open Cupboard’s experience rescuing fresh food and distributing it through multiple programs.

Committee members asked about how many eggs might be captured by the change and about food‑shelf handling and cooking limits. Raug said the precise amount of eggs diverted from waste is not recorded but that staff regularly see eggs discarded in stores; she suggested the committee could track outcomes in the first year if the bill passes. Food‑shelf representatives noted distribution rules mean that most shelves cannot repackage or cook donations and must distribute items in original packaging.

The committee moved SF3891 forward by voice vote to the Finance Committee.