To-Go Utensils & Condiments By Request Only

Category: News

Posted on: 06.07.2022

Enforcement Begins June 1, 2022
Per Assembly Bill (AB) 1276, restaurants and food facilities are prohibited from offering single-use food ware accessories and condiments unless requested by customers. Enforcement will begin on June 1, 2022, for food service establishments in the City of Monterey Park.

WHAT ITEMS WILL BE AFFECTED?

Single-use/disposable food ware accessories:

• Utensils – forks, knives, spoons, and sporks
• Chopsticks
• Condiment cups and packets
• Straws and Stirrers

Standard condiments:

• Relishes, spices, sauces, confections, or seasonings that require no additional preparation and that are usually used on a food item after preparation including: Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, soy sauce, hot sauce, salsa, salt, pepper, sugar, and sugar substitutes.

WHAT’S ALLOWED?

Food ware accessories such as straws, stirrers, cup spill plugs, condiment packets, utensils, napkins, etc. shall be provided only:

• When requested by the consumer
• When the consumer accepts an offer by the food facility
• At a self-serve or dispenser

WHO WILL BE AFFECTED?

The new law impacts food facilities in Monterey Park and all other cities in California that sell and distribute food and beverages to the public. Examples include but are not limited to restaurants, mobile food trucks, temporary food facilities (e.g., street fairs, festivals, etc.), farmers markets, and catering operations.

ENFORCEMENT

Duty to enforce AB 1276 is placed on specified state and local health and environmental health officers and their agents.

• 1st and 2nd violations of these provisions result in a notice of violation.
• Any subsequent violation is an infraction punishable by a fine of $25 for each day in violation.
• However, not to exceed an annual total of $300.

AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Online/App Orders:

• Businesses will have to list condiments and utensils as an item on the menu and customers will have to add to the order.

In-Person/Pick-Up Orders:

• Customers may request any condiments or utensils.

LET’S HELP REDUCE UNNECESSARY WASTE!

For more information, contact the City of Monterey Park Economic Development at (626) 307-1314 or EconDev@montereypark.ca.gov.