New rules for large supermarkets

English2021. dec. 22.MTI

The largest supermarkets will be required to submit their first food waste reduction plan by the end of May next year – an amendment to a bill aimed at reducing food waste submitted on the same day was passed by Parliament's legislative committee on Monday.

The Agriculture Ministry’s proposal to amend the laws on supermarket chains and their official supervision, as well as the amendment of retail tax regulations will be discussed by Parliament in an exceptional procedure, so the bill will be put to a vote already on Tuesday. 

In the future, the largest supermarkets will be obliged to donate their food products to the Food Rescue Centre Non-profit Ltd. 48 hours before the expiry of their ‘best-before’ date. The change will only affect retail chains with an annual net turnover of more than 100 billion forints. 

The shops concerned will also be entitled to donate this food to charitable organizations. The aim of the legislation is to ensure that goods close to their best before date are delivered to those in need instead of going to waste.

These stores will also have to draw up a food waste reduction plan, which they must submit to the Food Rescue Centre. They must also appoint a staff member in charge of food rescue. A fine may be imposed on stores that fail to draw up such a plan or exceed the planned amount of food waste by more than 2 percent annually.

The retail sales tax of the largest supermarkets is also expected to increase from 2.5 percent of turnover to 2.7 percent.

The proposal would take effect on February 1, 2022.