Senate Bill No. 382, titled "An Act Concerning Edible Food Recovery," mandates the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) to create and implement guidelines for supermarkets to donate surplus edible food to nonprofit food distribution organizations using food recovery services. The bill defines "surplus edible food" as food intended for human consumption that is unsold due to surplus, cosmetic issues, nearing expiration, or packaging damage that does not affect food safety, provided it meets all applicable food safety standards. Supermarkets with a retail space of at least 15,000 square feet are required to comply with these guidelines, which must be developed by January 1, 2027, in consultation with the Department of Public Health and posted on the DCP's website.

Starting January 1, 2028, each supermarket must report annually to the DCP regarding its donations of surplus edible food, and the DCP must report these donations to the relevant legislative committees by February 1, 2028. The bill also introduces new costs for the state, as the DCP will need to hire a food inspector to manage the program, resulting in estimated costs of $60,655 in FY 27 and $78,206 in FY 28, along with fringe benefits. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.