i work for a company that just started enforcing the unpaid 30 min meal breaks. however, as part of a retail chain, my co-workers and i used to come into work either on time and leave 30 min early, or 15 min late and leave 15 min early. the company we work for said that's fine, but we STILL have to take 30 min meal breaks during the day.

just curious to find out if the meal break HAS to be taken in full, or if it can be split up during the day.

It's entirely up to your employer. As far as I know, CT law does not prohibit breaking it up; however, nothing in the law gives the employee the right to choose, either. What hours you work, and that includes when you take your break, is at the opt of the employer, not the employee. If the employer says you have to take a 30 minute unpaid break, then you have to take a 30 minute unpaid break.