California · Food and Agricultural Code - FAC

FAC §44986: It is unlawful for any person to do any of the following: (a) Use a certification stamp for certifying containers or lots of avocados for other than containers previously inspected by the director’s a

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

It is unlawful to misuse, counterfeit, alter, or refuse to surrender avocado certification stamps. Violations are misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $5,000 and/or up to six months in county jail.

Read the full statutory text

It is unlawful for any person to do any of the following: (a) Use a certification stamp for certifying containers or lots of avocados for other than containers previously inspected by the director’s authorized agent and designated to be stamped. (b) Use the stamp at any time or in any manner other than provided in this chapter or contrary to the directions of the director’s authorized agent authorizing the use of the stamp. (c) Refuse to surrender, each day after use, or upon demand of the director’s authorized agent, any certification stamp authorized to be used. (d) Counterfeit or alter or use any counterfeit or altered certification stamp. (e) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months, or by both the fine and imprisonment.

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.