Find out which points need to be respected to make donations in accordance with the law
Fighting waste is one of the essential initiatives to combat hunger in Brazil. Those who produce and sell food can donate what is left instead of discarding it — this is the premise of Everyone at the Table, a movement in which iFood connects with other partners to distribute surplus food to those who need it most.
Restaurants and cafeterias can also join this cause and donate their meals. And do everything within the law: in June 2020, the legislation that deals with food donations in Brazil (Law No. 14,016) has been updated to reinforce the combat waste and regulate the donation of restaurant surpluses.
This law allows all establishments that prepare meals — such as restaurants and cafeterias — to donate food for consumption by people in vulnerable situations or at nutritional or nutritional risk. This applies both to what is left at the end of the working day and to processed products and fresh food that will not be used by the company.
In the case of ready-made meals, only those that were not distributed, that is, those that were not displayed on the buffet or on the counter (even if it is thermal or refrigerated), can be donated. And, before donating, the restaurant or cafeteria needs to package the meal for transportation in sealed and labeled containers, stating the date of handling and consumption guidelines.
To guide establishments on how to donate food correctly, Abrasel (Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants) and food safety specialist Adriana Lara created a primer which explains all the points involved in the process — read the main points below.
What can be donated?
Fresh foods (consumed in their natural state), processed products and ready-made meals.
What are the conditions?
Restaurants and cafeterias can donate surplus items that have not been sold, subject to the following criteria:
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Food must be within the expiration date and storage conditions specified by the manufacturer (if any)
- The integrity and health safety of the food cannot be compromised if there is damage to the packaging
- Food must maintain its nutritional properties and health safety, even if it has suffered partial damage or presents an aspect that is not desirable for commercialization.
How can I donate?
Establishments can make donations directly to those in need or in collaboration with public authorities, food banks and certified or religious charities.
Can the restaurant be punished if there is a problem?
Yes. Establishments can be punished at civil and administrative level for damage caused by eating food, but only if it is proven that they acted with the intention of causing that damage. According to the law, the donor's responsibility ends when the food is first delivered to the intermediary (or, in the case of direct donation, to the final beneficiary).
