§ 12606 Pesticide Residue Release Rules

Food and Agricultural Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

If a batch of food is taken by the state and tested, and the test shows it doesn't have too much pesticide, the state must let it go right away.

Key Takeaways

•The director must test the seized lot for pesticide residue.
•If the residue is not above the maximum allowed or a permitted tolerance, the lot must be released right away.
•The hold order or tag is removed as soon as the lot is cleared.

Example

A farmer’s shipment of lettuce is stopped by officials and sent to a lab for testing.

The lab checks the lettuce for pesticide levels. Because the levels are below the legal limit, the director immediately releases the lettuce and removes the stop‑order tag.

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

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 12606 Pesticide Residue Release Rules

If the seized and held lot, as determined by the director’s chemical analysis, does not carry pesticide residue in excess of any maximum which is provided by this chapter or in excess of a permissible tolerance, the director shall forthwith release the seized and held lot from the seizure and remove the hold order or tag. (Amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 717, Sec. 6.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

pesticide residue permissible tolerance hold order director’s chemical analysis

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Food and Agricultural Code. Section 12606.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References