(a) As used in this Section, "potluck event" means an event that meets all of the following conditions:
- (1) People are gathered to share food at the event.
- (2) There is no compensation provided to people for bringing food to the event.
- (3) There is no charge for any food or beverage provided at the event.
- (4) The event is not conducted for commercial purposes.
- (5) It is generally understood by the participants at the event that neither the food nor the facilities have been inspected by the State or a local certified public health department.
- (6) The event is not held on public property.
- (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, neither the Department of Public Health nor the health department of a unit of local government may regulate the serving of food that is brought to a potluck event sponsored by a group of individuals or a religious, charitable, or nonprofit organization by individuals attending the potluck event for consumption at the potluck event. Individuals who are not members of a group or organization sponsoring a potluck event may attend the potluck event and consume the food at the event. No fee may be charged for admission to a potluck event that is exempt from regulation under this Section, nor may food be sold at a potluck event that is exempt from regulation under this Section. A business establishment dealing in the sale of food items may not sponsor a potluck event. Potluck event food may not be brought into the kitchen of a business establishment dealing in the sale of food items.
(Source: P.A. 93-1039, eff. 6-1-05.)