California · Business and Professions Code - BPC

BPC §12022: Every person who, in putting up in any container, goods usually sold by weight, puts in or conceals therein any other substance including moisture, except such moisture as may be included or absorbed

Infraction

What this law says, in plain English

It is unlawful to add substances or excess moisture to goods sold by weight to fraudulently increase weight for sale. Violation is punishable by a fine of at least $25 per offense.

Read the full statutory text
Every person who, in putting up in any container, goods usually sold by weight, puts in or conceals therein any other substance including moisture, except such moisture as may be included or absorbed by the goods or commodity contained therein during preparation for market or processing in accordance with ordinary commercial practice, for the purpose of increasing the weight of such container with intent thereby to sell the goods therein or to enable another to sell the same, for an increased weight, is punishable by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25) for each offense. The amount of added moisture contained in poultry meat as defined in Section 380.20 of the Agricultural Code shall not exceed 4 percent by weight or any greater amount established by regulation of the secretary.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.