San Mateo County Grand Jury
• 2026-2027
More Food for Thought: County Sustainability Department Has Not Implemented Required Sb1383 Edible Food Recovery Enforcement Procedures
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 2 findings
F1
Since January 1, 2024, 14 CCR §§ 18995.1 and 18995.4 require jurisdictions to enforce SB 1383 requirements. Under MOUs reviewed by the Grand Jury, SMCSD is responsible for enforcement for participating jurisdictions. Inspection records reviewed by the Grand Jury do not show a consistent documented process for conducting inspections and re- inspections, setting compliance deadlines, or issuing Notices of Violation, Penalty Orders, or other enforcement when required.
F2
During the investigation, SMCSD’s online edible food recovery complaint form was not functional when tested, and the Grand Jury could not locate publicly accessible written complaint procedures for the jurisdictions reviewed. Although a countywide form is not mandated, 14 CCR § 18995.3 requires each jurisdiction to provide a procedure for receipt and investigation of written complaints and to allow anonymous complaints.
Recommendations 3
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R1By December 31, 2026, SMCSD should adopt and implement written SB 1383 edible food recovery enforcement procedures for services performed under its MOUs, including criteria for inspections, re-inspections, Notices of Violation, Penalty Orders, or other enforcement when required.
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R2By June 30, 2027, SMCSD should develop and implement a standardized inspection form and publicly accessible database of inspection reports and enforcement information, subject to Public Records Act requirements and any applicable exemptions.
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R3By June 30, 2027, SMCSD should develop an anonymous complaint process that can be adopted by participating jurisdictions.