Ensuring safe and nutritious food rescue
You are protected from liability when donating food in good faith.
The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act (42 U.S.C. § 1791) protects both individuals and organizations from civil and criminal liability when donating food to nonprofit organizations for distribution to those in need.
Proper temperature control is critical for food safety:
Keep hot foods hot (above 140°F) until pickup
2 Hour Rule: Foods cannot be in this zone for more than 2 hours
Keep cold foods refrigerated (below 40°F) until pickup
| Food Type | Room Temperature Limit | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked meat, poultry, fish | 2 hours maximum | Keep hot or refrigerate immediately |
| Dairy products | 2 hours maximum | Keep refrigerated at all times |
| Cut fruits and vegetables | 2 hours maximum | Refrigerate or keep on ice |
| Baked goods (no cream) | 4 hours | Cover to prevent contamination |
| Dry/packaged foods | No limit if sealed | Keep in original packaging |
Common food allergens must be clearly communicated:
Important: When posting food, always indicate if it contains common allergens. Recipients are responsible for verifying food safety for their specific dietary needs.
If you have any concerns about food safety:
Use our feedback system to report concerns
Contact your local health department immediately
1-888-MPHotline
(1-888-674-6854)
Disclaimer: These guidelines are provided for educational purposes. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local food safety regulations. When in doubt about food safety, do not donate or accept the food. loavesand.fish is a platform connecting donors and recipients; all food donations are made at the discretion and risk of the parties involved, subject to the protections of the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act.