Good Samaritan Laws Protect You from Liability

Good Samaritan laws that protect donors from liability for the foods and other essentials they donate to food banks and other programs are now uniform throughout the country. For many years, the state of Washington has given donors great protection from liability, and now, The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act of 1996 makes it even easier to donate.

The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Law

• Protects donors from liability when donating to a nonprofit organization
• Protects donors from civil or criminal liability if the donor believes, in good faith, that the product is okay at the time it is donated
• Requires establishment of "gross negligence" or intentional misconduct before a donor is considered liable for harm caused by a donation
• Establishes a minimum standard throughout the country (no more multi-state research for companies doing business in more than one state)
• Recognizes that donation of food close to the date of recommended retail sale is not, in and of itself, grounds for finding gross negligence.

Washington State Law Also Covers

• Non-food grocery products,
• Prepared and perishable food donations.

Food Lifeline is prepared to handle your donation safely and efficiently under the state and federal Good Samaritan law. In fact, our Product Recovery Center was designed and operates in compliance with standards set by the National Food Processors Association. Our prepared and perishable food rescue programs also meet federal food handling and safety regulations.