Act to Combat Food Waste

Summary#

Bill No. 392 aims to reduce food waste in Quebec by 50% by 2030.

It would require the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to prepare a multi-year action plan. The government would also need to establish indicators to measure progress.

Food processors, distributors, and retailers would be required to take serious steps to enter into agreements with recognized organizations to donate or manage their unsold products. Local and regional organizations would be prioritized to reduce transportation and facilitate preservation.

The minister could exempt certain businesses, particularly small retailers. The minister could also require an agreement with Recyc-Québec when no agreement is made with a recognized organization.

Fines ranging from $250 to $2,000 would be imposed on businesses that do not comply with certain obligations. In the case of repeat offenses, fines could reach $750 to $6,000.

The law would come into effect six months after its sanction. Businesses would then have 18 months to comply, starting from the creation of the list of recognized organizations.

What This Means for You#

• Consumers: The bill could increase the availability of unsold food through community organizations and reduce the amount of food thrown away.
• Recognized Organizations: They could enter into agreements with businesses to receive or manage unsold products. The minister would determine the recognition criteria.
• Food Businesses: Processors, distributors, and retailers would need to document their efforts, submit certain agreements, and provide information requested by the minister.
• Small Retailers: They could benefit from exemption conditions established by regulation.
• Government: The minister would be responsible for coordinating the action plan and monitoring its implementation.

The bill does not yet specify the reduction indicators, detailed criteria for recognized organizations, or the exemptions that would be provided. These elements would depend on subsequent regulations.

Costs#

No overall cost estimate is provided in the bill.

Businesses may incur costs related to sorting, storage, transportation, documentation, and entering into agreements for their unsold products. Costs could be higher for businesses that do not already have food recovery systems in place.

The government would also need to allocate resources for preparing the action plan, collecting data, recognizing organizations, and monitoring compliance.

Businesses that do not meet the obligations could face fines of $250 to $2,000. Fines would range from $750 to $6,000 in the case of repeat offenses.

Supporters' Viewpoint#

Supporters might argue that the bill:

• Reduces food waste and its environmental impacts;
• Facilitates the donation or recovery of food still fit for consumption;
• Helps community organizations obtain more food;
• Establishes a clear target of 50% reduction by 2030;
• Promotes local and regional solutions;
• Encourages businesses to better manage their food surpluses.

They might also view the obligations and fines as necessary tools to achieve measurable results rather than relying solely on voluntary participation.

Opponents' Viewpoint#

Opponents might argue that:

• The new administrative obligations could be costly, especially for small businesses;
• Businesses may struggle to find organizations capable of receiving, storing, and distributing food;
• The detailed rules are not yet known, as they would be established by regulation;
• Businesses' liability could be uncertain when products are perishable or difficult to transport;
• The 50% reduction target could be difficult to measure or achieve without public funding and sufficient infrastructure.

They might also seek clarification on the costs for the government, businesses, and community organizations.