Limited Service Charitable Feeding Operation Flow Chart

This flow chart may be used as a guide to help organizations determine if their food service operation requires a health permit, qualifies them for a Limited Service Charitable Feeding Organization (LSCFO) registration under AB 2178 or are exempt from either.  If the organization has an existing Permit to Operate from the local health department, registration as an LSCFO is not required.

Step 1: Is the operation a non-profit organization that provides food to a consumer solely for the purpose of providing charity?

• If Yes, proceed to Step 2a
• If No, proceed to Step 2b

Step 2a: Does the organization store and distribute only 100% pre-packaged, shelf-stable foods and whole produce? (Category 1)

• If Yes, proceed to Step 3a
• If No, proceed to Step 3b

Step 2b: A health permit is required for any operation that stores, packages, vends, or otherwise provides food for human consumption to the public regardless of whether there is a charge for the food.

Step 3a: Registration or a health permit is not required.  Operation must follow Best Management Practices (BMP).

Step 3b: Does the organization store and distribute only 100% pre-packaged foods that include perishables (i.e., milk cartons, meats, pre-packaged meals) & whole produce? (Category 2)

• If Yes, proceed to Step 4a
• If No, proceed to Step 4b

Step 4a: Is the organization a partner agency of a permitted Food Bank?

• If Yes, proceed to Step 5a
• If No, proceed to Step 5b

Step 4b: Is food handling of unpackaged food limited to either of the following:

1. Reheating or portioning of only commercially prepared foods with no further processing to hot-hold for same day service to the consumer (Category 3) or
2. Heating, portioning, or assembly of a small volume of commercially prepared foods/ingredients (Category 4)?

• If Yes, proceed to Step 6a
• If Not Sure, proceed to Step 6b
• If No, proceed to Step 6c

Step 5a: Registration or a health permit is not required as long as the organization remains a partner agency of a permitted Food Bank and follows the Food Bank’s BMPs.

Step 5b: Registration as an LSCFO with EHD is required. Annual renewal may be required.

Contact EHD at (510) 567-6700 or dehwebmain@acgov.org

Step 6a: Registration as an LSCFO with EHD is required. Annual renewal may be required.

Contact EHD at (510) 567-6700 or dehwebmain@acgov.org

Step 6b: Contact EHD at (510) 567-6700 or dehwebmain@acgov.org

Step 6c: The organization does not qualify for registration as an LSCFO and must obtain a health permit as a food facility.

Contact EHD at (510) 567-6700 or dehwebmain@acgov.org

EHD = Environmental Health Department