§ 18781 Livestock Product Misbranding Rules

Food and Agricultural Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says you can't lie or trick people when selling meat or eggs. The label must tell the truth and not look like something it's not.

Key Takeaways

•Labels on meat or eggs can't lie or trick you.
•If it's fake food, the label must say 'imitation' right on it.
•The package can't be shaped or filled in a way that fools you.

Example

A store sells chicken nuggets that are mostly breading with very little chicken inside.

The package must say 'imitation chicken nuggets' in big, clear letters so people know it's not real chicken.

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

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 18781 Livestock Product Misbranding Rules

A livestock or poultry product is misbranded in each of the following cases: (a) Its labeling is false or misleading in any particular. (b) It is offered for sale under the name of another food. (c) It is an imitation of another food, unless its label bears, in type of uniform size and prominence, the word “imitation” and immediately thereafter, the name of the food imitated. (d) Its container is so made, formed, or filled as to be misleading. (Repealed and added by Stats. 1970, Ch. 1385.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

misbranded false or misleading imitation labeling

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Food and Agricultural Code. Section 18781.

Key Takeaways

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Key Terms

Related Statutes

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References