New law allows food banks to accept donated eggs past quality assurance date

A new law aims to reduce food waste while supplying a valuable commodity to food banks.

Taking effect Aug. 1, 2026, it will allow eggs to be donated past their quality assurance date — a point after which eggs are still safe to eat but may begin to lose flavor or quality.

Retailers are prohibited from selling Grade A eggs more than 46 days past their coded pack date.

Per the law, eggs can be donated if they remain in their original packaging, have been kept under continuous refrigeration, and reach the end consumer no more than 30 days after their quality assurance date.

The egg carton must also be marked with the name of the charitable food assistance program distributing the egg, a distribution date no more than 30 days after the quality assurance date and with the statement: “Donated Eggs – Not for Resale.”

Rep. Andrew Myers (R-Tonka Bay) and Sen. Erin Maye Quade (DFL-Apple Valley) are the sponsors.

HF3579/SF3891*/CH110

SF3891* / HF3579 / CH110