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HomeFood and Agricultural CodeDiv. 18Ch. 2Art. 8§ 52453 Vegetable Seed Labeling Requirements

§ 52453 Vegetable Seed Labeling Requirements

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

§ 52453 Vegetable Seed Labeling Requirements

Key Takeaways

  • •Every bag of vegetable seeds sold must have a clear label in English with the type of seed and its variety.
  • •If the seeds don’t grow as well as they should, the label must say how many will actually grow, when this was tested, and the words 'Below Standard' in big letters.
  • •The label must also show who packed or sold the seeds and their address.
  • •For bigger bags (over half a pound), the label must also include a lot number and the month/year the seeds were tested.

Example

You buy a packet of tomato seeds at the store.

The packet must have a label saying it’s tomato seeds, the specific kind (like 'Cherry Tomatoes'), and if they don’t grow well, it must say something like '70% will grow, tested in June 2023, Below Standard'. It also must have the name and address of the company that sold them. If it’s a big bag, it needs a lot number and test date too.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 52453 Vegetable Seed Labeling Requirements

Except as otherwise provided in Section 52454, each container of vegetable seed that is for sale or sold within this state for sowing purposes shall bear upon it, or have attached to it, in a conspicuous place, a plainly written or printed label or tag in the English language, that gives all of the following information: (a) Name of kind and variety of seed. (b) For any seed that germinates less than the standard last established by the secretary under this chapter, the percentage of germination, exclusive of hard seed; the percentage of hard seed, if present; the calendar month and year the test was completed to determine those percentages; and the words “Below Standard” in not less than eight-point type. (c) Name and address of the person that labeled the seed, or of the person that sells the seed within this state. (d) In addition to the information required in subdivisions (a), (b), and (c), on each container of more than one-half pound (227 grams), the label shall include both the lot number or other lot identification and the calendar month and year the germination test was completed. (Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 499, Sec. 10. Effective January 1, 2007.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

germinationsecretarybelow standardinformationin californiaadditionidentification

Related Statutes

  • § 52452 Agricultural Seed Labeling Requirements
  • § 52481 Seed Germination Testing Periods
  • § 52451 Seed Sale Exemptions
  • § 52455 Seed Viability Labeling Requirements
  • § 52456 Seed Dispute Resolution Notice

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Food and Agricultural Code. Section 52453.
View Official Source