HomeMy WebLinkAboutAB 619 (Chiu)_20190618_Support
18 June 2019
The Honorable David Chiu
17th Assembly District
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (415) 557 – 3015
Severiano.Christian@asm.ca.gov
Assembly Member Jim Wood, Chair
Assembly Health Committee
State Capitol, Room 6005
Sacramento, California 95814
Submit online: https://ahea.assembly.ca.gov/
Re: AB 619 (Chiu) – The “BYO” Bring Your Own Container & Reusables Act - SUPPORT
Dear Assembly Member Chiu,
The City of San Luis Obispo strongly supports AB 619 regarding reusable food service items,
which will expand consumer choice, help local businesses and advance California’s longstanding
goal of reducing landfill waste and plastic pollution. Measures like this are a necessary and
simple step towards a more sustainable future.
The measure allows - but does not mandate - vendors at street festivals, county fairs, outdoor
concerts, and other public events to serve food and drinks in washable cups, dishes, and utensils.
By allowing for these temporary food facilities to have the option to utilize reusable food ware at
the events they work, we are simultaneously aiding in the reduction of the large amounts of
plastics and other materials that would otherwise waste away in landfills across the state.
Because the California Retail Food Code currently allows only single-use utensils at temporary
food events, event organizers have no options for a more sustainable and often less costly
alternative. This bill provides the opportunity to use reusable items provided strict public health
requirements are met.
The bill also clarifies existing law on how all retail food facilities may safely fill customers’
reusable containers when buying food or beverages. Many individuals who attempt to bring their
own containers to be used at food establishments, in place of single-use food ware, are often
unable to because restaurant staff may be unclear on how to do so in a sanitary manner.
For permanent food facilities the same law has provided a reusable container option for many
years. However, the governing section of the law, Health and Safety Code section 114121 is
written in an arcane and unclear manner - so much so that many restaurants that wish to accept
reusable containers are unsure of what the public safety requirements are. This bill simplifies this
section of law while maintaining prudent food cross contamination safeguards. This clarification
will not only help expand consumer choice, but may also help local businesses save money while
striving to meet the objective of using more eco-friendly business practices.
For these reasons we thank you for introducing AB 619 and urge the enactment of this bill.
Sincerely,
Heidi Harmon
Mayor
City of San Luis Obispo
Cc: Members, Assembly Health Committee (Marissa Kraynak)
San Luis Obispo City Council
State Senator Bill Monning, fax (916) 651 – 4917
State Assembly Member Jordan Cunningham, fax (916) 319-2135