§ 18788 Livestock Product Labeling Requirements

Food and Agricultural Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says that meat or eggs can't have fake flavors, colors, or chemicals added unless the label says so.

Key Takeaways

•Meat or eggs with fake flavors, colors, or chemicals must say so on the label.
•If the label doesn’t mention these additives, the product is misbranded.
•Sometimes, the government can make exceptions if following the rule is too hard.

Example

You buy a package of chicken nuggets at the store.

If the nuggets have fake coloring to make them look golden, the package must say 'artificial coloring added' on the label. If it doesn’t say that, the nuggets are breaking this law.

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

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 18788 Livestock Product Labeling Requirements

A livestock or poultry product is misbranded if it bears or contains any artificial flavoring, artificial coloring, or chemical preservative, unless it is so indicated on the label. To the extent that compliance with the requirements of this section is impracticable, the director may establish exemptions that conform to the purposes of this chapter. (Added by Stats. 1970, Ch. 1385.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

misbranded artificial flavoring artificial coloring chemical preservative exemptions

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Food and Agricultural Code. Section 18788.

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Example

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Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References