Law No. 18.420 providing for measures to combat food waste and the donation of surplus ready-to-eat meals.

This Law establishes a framework in the State of São Paulo to reduce food waste and promote the donation of surplus food and ready-to-eat meals. Its primary objective is to encourage food producers, processors, and suppliers to donate non-commercialized food that remains safe and suitable for consumption, by supporting them through public campaigns, guidance, training, and the development of administrative and fiscal solutions. The measure aims to ensure that edible food is redirected rather than discarded, while maintaining nutritional quality and sanitary safety standards. The Law also seeks to address food insecurity and social vulnerability by facilitating the free distribution of donated food to individuals, families, or groups at risk of food and nutritional insecurity, either directly or through certified charitable organizations. It clarifies that such donations are non-commercial in nature and do not create consumer relationships, thereby reducing legal barriers and promoting participation by donors.