REGIONAL — Minnesota lawmakers are moving to crack open a new source of protein for food shelves, advancing a bill that would allow the donation of eggs past their labeled “sell by” date.
Supporters say the change addresses a growing mismatch between rising demand at food shelves and strict labeling laws that currently require eggs to be discarded once they pass their quality assurance date, even if they remain safe to eat.
Rep. Andrew Myers, R-Tonka Bay, the bill’s sponsor, told the House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee on Monday the proposal is a practical fix to reduce waste while expanding access to nutritious food.
“Food shelves and hunger relief organizations face increasing demand and a limited supply of protein. Currently safe, nutritious eggs are being discarded due to date labeling restrictions here in Minnesota,” Myers said.
Under current law, eggs cannot be sold after their quality assurance date, and that restriction also applies to donations. The bill will allow eggs to be donated if they meet several conditions, including remaining in their original packaging, being properly refrigerated, and being distributed within 30 days past the labeled date. Donated cartons would also require updated labeling indicating they are not for resale.
Food shelf operators say the change could make a meaningful difference at a time of record demand.
Jessica Francis, executive director of Open Cupboard, said protein remains one of the hardest items for food shelves to keep in stock, and eggs are especially sought after.
“One in five Minnesotans cannot afford the food that they need. In 2025, Minnesotans made more than 9 million visits to food shelves, setting a record for the fourth consecutive year,” Francis said.
“Statewide surveys, our shopper feedback, our daily experience, proves that protein is one of the most in demand and hardest to access food categories for food shoppers. Eggs are one of the most versatile protein sources that we can offer, making them extremely popular, but due to high prices and limited supply, there have been times where we’ve gone months without a consistent or affordable source,” Francis said.
Francis said allowing egg donations past the sell-by date would create a more reliable supply while also reducing food waste.
“This will create a more consistent and reliable source of this much needed protein, while also reducing food waste across our state. It’s a win for retailers and food shelves, a win for the environment, a win for Minnesotans accessing food through our state’s hunger relief system, and ultimately, a win for Minnesota,” Francis said.
Not all lawmakers were immediately convinced. Committee co-chair Rep. Rick Hansen, DFL-South St. Paul, raised concerns about food safety and questioned why eggs deemed unsellable should still be distributed.
“So why would we allow donations to poor people if there’s a food safety concern?” Hansen said.
State agriculture officials told lawmakers the date on egg cartons reflects quality, not safety.
“That’s what the quality assurance date actually means, is that it’s a quality issue, not a food safety issue, and we are in full support of the language (in the bill) as written,” Levi Muhl said.
Muhl said eggs remain safe for weeks beyond the quality assurance date if they are properly refrigerated, guidance that aligns with food safety information from the American Egg Board.
Lawmakers from both parties said the bill represents a small but practical step to help Minnesotans struggling with food insecurity.
“So, a bill like this may seem small, but having more eggs at food banks could be lifelines for certain people in our state, Minnesotans, who need protein, and this is a very affordable protein that people can have access to,” Rep. Andy Smith, DFL-Rochester, said.
The House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee approved the bill on a voice vote Monday. It now moves to the House floor.