The Chamber of Deputies has approved Bill (PL) 2874/19, which establishes the National Policy for Combating Food Loss and Waste (PNCPDA in Portuguese).

Among other points, the bill outlines programs and partnerships between the Federal Government and other federal entities, public and private institutions, civil society organizations, and religious entities to reduce food loss and waste. The bill is currently awaiting the signature of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The approved proposal stipulates that packaged, perishable, and non-perishable foods, within their expiration dates, as well as fresh or prepared foods, may be donated to food banks, receiving institutions, and directly to beneficiaries, provided that their nutritional properties and safety for human consumption are maintained, in accordance with current health regulations.

The text establishes the requirement that food banks and institutions have a legally qualified professional who certifies the nutritional and sanitary quality of the delivered foods.