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HomeFood and Agricultural CodeDiv. 7Ch. 1.5Art. 5§ 12601 Pesticide Residue Seizure Authority

§ 12601 Pesticide Residue Seizure Authority

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

§ 12601 Pesticide Residue Seizure Authority

This law lets the director take and keep any crops that are about to be harvested if they might have pesticide residue or other harmful chemicals that break the rules.

Key Takeaways

  • •The director can seize produce that is about to be harvested (within one week).
  • •Seizure is allowed if the produce is suspected of having pesticide residue or other harmful additives.
  • •The action is based on violations of this chapter or any rules made under it.

Example

A farmer’s strawberries are ready to be picked in five days, but a lab test shows they may contain illegal pesticide levels.

Because the strawberries are within a week of being ready to pick and might have illegal chemicals, the director can seize the strawberries and hold them until the problem is fixed.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 12601 Pesticide Residue Seizure Authority

The director may seize and hold any lot of produce, or any unharvested produce that is within one week of being in a harvestable condition, which carries or is suspected of carrying pesticide residue or other added deleterious ingredients in violation of this chapter or any regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter. (Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 288, Sec. 1.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

pesticide residuedeleterious ingredientsseize and holdunharvested produce

Related Statutes

  • § 12604 Pesticide Residue Testing Requirements
  • § 12606 Pesticide Residue Release Rules
  • § 12607 Pesticide Residue Disposal Rules
  • § 12614 Disposal Of Produce With Excess Pesticide Residue
  • § 12615 Release Of Seized Produce

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Food and Agricultural Code. Section 12601.
View Official Source