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Food in the garbage can: whoever rescues them must adhere to hygiene measures
Photo: Steffen Schellhorn / epd / IMAGO
Even private initiatives that distribute food rejected by supermarkets, for example, are subject to the strict hygiene requirements of the EU.
That was decided by the Berlin Administrative Court.
This meant that a Berlin resident's complaint against a decision by the Pankow district office was unsuccessful.
This had forbidden the man to continue to pass on sorted out food after, according to the court, he had come across unrefrigerated, spoiled and uncleanly stored or unpacked goods during an inspection.
The distribution of the food was organized through groups on social media.
According to the court, around 750 people are taking part in the initiative.
A local organic market regularly delivered rejected groceries, which the plaintiff then placed on counters on a street.
Court argues with security
The judges emphasized that there are strict requirements for this, regardless of the social aspect.
It is true that the food law requirements of European law are aimed at »food entrepreneurs«.
Since it is about the safety of consumers, such projects are also affected, said a court spokesman.
The justified concern of reducing food waste does not justify failure to comply with hygiene requirements, the 14th Chamber justified its decision.
An appeal can be lodged with the Higher Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg against the decision.
File number: VG 14 L 453/21
ptz / dpa