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HomeFood and Agricultural CodeDiv. 7Ch. 1.5Art. 4§ 12581 Director Produce Sampling Authority

§ 12581 Director Produce Sampling Authority

Food and Agricultural Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 12581 Director Produce Sampling Authority

The director can check any food and take samples, and if the sample has too much pesticide, the director can ask for sales or other records and they must be handed over within two days.

Key Takeaways

  • •The director can inspect and take samples of any produce at any stage.
  • •If a sample shows pesticide residue above the legal limit, the director can request related records.
  • •All requested records must be provided to the director within 48 hours.

Example

A grocery store sells a batch of lettuce that the director tests and finds pesticide levels above the allowed limit.

The director will ask the store for its purchase and sales records for that lettuce, and the store has to give those records within 48 hours.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 12581 Director Produce Sampling Authority

(a)  The director may inspect and take samples of any produce grown, processed, packed, stored, shipped, transported, delivered for shipment, or sold. (b) If the director finds or suspects that a sample taken or inspected pursuant to subdivision (a) carries pesticide residue in excess of the permissible tolerance, the director may request sales records, purchase records, distribution records, or any other record related to that produce. The records shall be provided to the director within 48 hours of the request. (Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 574, Sec. 3. (AB 211) Effective September 27, 2022.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

directorinspectsamplesproducepesticide residuepermissible tolerancerecords48 hours

Related Statutes

  • § 12671 Pesticide Residue Limits
  • § 12563 Zero Pesticide Tolerance Authority
  • § 12582 Processing Produce Violation Notification
  • § 12606 Pesticide Residue Release Rules
  • § 12609 Reconditioned Produce Release Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Food and Agricultural Code. Section 12581.
View Official Source