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HF 3509

Eggs allowed to be donated past their quality assurance date.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jimmy Gordon and 1 co-sponsor

Allows donation of eggs past the quality assurance date to charitable programs, with strict packaging, labeling, refrigeration, and a 30-day distribution window.

Author added Gordon
#agricultureandagriculturedepartment #foodandnutrition
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 3509

Summary of HF 3509 (2025-2026) – Eggs Allowed to be Donated Past Quality Assurance Date

Purpose and intent

HF 3509 proposes allowing certain eggs that have passed their quality assurance date to be donated and distributed to charitable food assistance programs. The bill sets criteria to ensure food safety and labeling while enabling donation rather than disposal of eggs that may still be usable.

Key provisions and changes

1) Definition of “Quality assurance date”

  • Adds a new subdivision to Minnesota Statutes § 29.21 defining “Quality assurance date.”
  • A “Quality assurance date” is any date after which the manufacturer or processor reasonably determines that the product may lose palatability or nutritive properties due to spoilage, wilting, drying, or other natural phenomena.

2) Eligibility for donation (Eggs in possession of retailer)

  • Amends Minnesota Statutes § 29.26 to address eggs in retailers’ possession and donation allowances.
  • Provision outlines the conditions under which eggs past the quality assurance date may be donated to and distributed by charitable food assistance programs:
    • The eggs must be contained in their original packaging.
    • They must have been candled and graded previously.
    • They must be continuously refrigerated.
    • They must be distributed to the end consumer within 30 days of the original quality assurance date.
    • Packaging must include a label with:
    • The name of the charitable food assistance program distributing the eggs.
    • A “distribute by” date no more than 30 days past the original quality assurance date.
    • The statement: "Donated Eggs - Not for Resale."

Who or what would be affected

Affected Parties

  • Retailers and retailers’ possession of eggs: would be subject to the new donation pathway for eggs past QA date.
  • Charitable food assistance programs: enabled to receive and distribute these donations under the specified labeling and handling requirements.
  • Consumers/end recipients: would receive eggs through charitable programs with assurances of grading, refrigeration, and a clear “not for resale” designation.

Covered conditions and protections

  • Eggs must be in original packaging and previously candled/graded.
  • Continuous refrigeration must be maintained.
  • Distribution window limited to 30 days after the QA date.
  • Clear labeling to protect consumers and ensure traceability.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading: February 19, 2026.
  • Referral: Agriculture Finance and Policy.
  • Notable action history: As of February 23, 2026, Gordon added as author; HF 3509 has co-sponsors Jimmy Gordon and Andrew Myers.
  • If enacted, the measure would become part of Minnesota statutes governing egg handling, labeling, and charitable distribution practices.

Practical impact and considerations

  • Potential benefits: Reduces food waste by enabling safe donation of eggs beyond QA date under strict conditions; supports food-assistance programs.
  • Safety focus: Maintains safety via original grading, proper packaging, continuous refrigeration, tight distribution window, and explicit labeling.
  • Operational considerations for retailers: Need to track QA dates, maintain packaging integrity, ensure proper candling/grading history, adhere to distribution-by windows, and affix compliant labels.

If you’d like, I can provide a plain-language Q&A for retailers and food programs or compare HF 3509 to current Minnesota law on egg QA dating and donations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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