New law says caterers have to take back uneaten food?

[MIKEETC]

Originally Posted by Gandalara

I'd contact the Department of Environmental Health [(909) 884-4056; (760) 995-8148] and ask them.

I've never heard of such a thing - - if I paid for the food, I get to do what I want with the left-overs!

Although I agree with the statement that if you paid for it you should do what you want with the leftovers, I think that in order for this to be completely true you'd have to have the food completely in your possession, i.e. you'd have to take food away from the caterers. If the food is still in the caterer's 'control', they would still be responsible for it and whatever might happen if someone at it (because it was spoiled or handled incorrectly).

[I think this is a liability issue]

[VLWH]

Originally Posted by MIKEETC

Although I agree with the statement that if you paid for it you should do what you want with the leftovers, I think that in order for this to be completely true you'd have to have the food completely in your possession, i.e. you'd have to take food away from the caterers. If the food is still in the caterer's 'control', they would still be responsible for it and whatever might happen if someone at it (because it was spoiled or handled incorrectly).

[I think this is a liability issue]

bingo....

[TimC2462]

The question is... what would they do with the uneaten food? The CRFC (California Retail Food Code) prohibits a business or caterer to dispense food to customers that was already reserved in the first place.

One could think they are taking back the food to dispose of it since it is too cold or too warm... but then again, that would mean they didn't do everything to keep the food chilled or warm to reduce spoilage in the first place.

[CJCsMom]

My guess is that they are taking it home for themselves. I doubt they are reserving it, but I also doubt they are tossing it out. I have never heard of a company refusing to leave the leftovers for a customer, and I have dealt with catering companies all over the country.

If they packed up the extra, I would ask them to remove those items from my bill.

[Fontucky]

Originally Posted by CJCsMom

If they packed up the extra, I would ask them to remove those items from my bill.

Something tells me that right is signed away in the catering contract.