Committee advances bill to allow donation of eggs past labeled quality-assurance date

Representative (speaker 4) introduced House File 3579 to allow retailers to donate eggs past the package quality-assurance date to hunger-relief organizations while maintaining food‑safety protections.

Jessica Francis, executive director of Open Cupboard, testified that food shelves face record demand and limited access to protein. "This bill is a no cost solution at a time of unprecedented need," Francis said, describing how donations from retailers form more than 30% of Open Cupboard’s distributed food and how eggs are a high-demand, versatile source of protein.

Members questioned how the bill protects food safety. Representative Hansen asked why donation would be allowed if expiration dates exist for safety reasons. Levi Moll, assistant director for dairy, meat, poultry and egg inspection at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, replied that the distinction is between quality and safety: "The quality assurance date is a quality issue, not a food‑safety issue," Moll said, adding that USDA and industry studies show eggs last weeks beyond the labeled date when refrigerated. Moll told the committee the draft language includes labeling and refrigeration requirements and that the department supports the language as written.

Other members voiced support on food‑security grounds. Representative Burkel noted that many store dates are sell‑by or best‑by labels rather than strict safety expirations and said the change could help people who otherwise bypass less‑fresh items. Representative Smith and others framed the bill as a modest step to add reliable protein to food‑shelf supplies as costs rise.

After discussion and a period for public testimony, Chair Anderson renewed the motion that House File 3579 be referred to the general register; the motion passed and the bill was advanced.

The committee’s action sends House File 3579 to the next stage of House consideration. No vote tally was recorded in the transcript; the committee recorded the bill as "referred to the general register."