If you run a business that donates food, or you are part of a charity that accepts food donations, you'll find all the key information about food donations here.
Food can be donated for several reasons, such as:
- Businesses sometimes end up with extra food because of difficulties matching supply and demand. For example, they may produce more than needed or have orders cancelled, leaving them with surplus stock.
- Food that’s safe to eat might have mistakes in labelling or packaging. This means it can’t be sold and is available for donation.
It is perfectly acceptable for this ‘surplus’ food to be redistributed or donated by food businesses to various charities, once the food is still in an acceptable condition and it is handled and distributed safely.
Both businesses donating food and charities receiving it must make themselves aware of their legal responsibilities under food legislation.
This section gives an overview of general food safety guidance for both food donors and recipients.
Each link below focuses on a specific part of the food donation process and includes questions and answers to explain how EU food laws apply. You'll also find links to more detailed guidance and a summary of the main laws that may affect businesses and charities.
Food Donation Guidance for: