§ 405 Biological Pest Control Approval

Food and Agricultural Code·California

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Key Takeaways

•The government can make or give out bugs or animals that help fight pests, but only if they’re safe for people and get approval first.
•They can’t make these helpful bugs or animals if you can already buy enough of them from stores.

Example

Farmers have a problem with bugs eating their crops.

The government can release special bugs that eat the bad bugs, but only if those special bugs are safe and not already sold in stores.

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

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 405 Biological Pest Control Approval

(a) With the prior approval of the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the State Department of Public Health, the department may reproduce or distribute biological control organisms that are not detrimental to the public health and safety that are known to be useful in reducing or preventing plant or animal damage due to pests or diseases. (b) The department shall not engage in the production of beneficial organisms when those organisms are available in sufficient amounts for purchase from commercial sources. (Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 374, Sec. 1. (AB 862) Effective January 1, 2016.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

biological control organisms public health and safety pests or diseases beneficial organisms commercial sources

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Food and Agricultural Code. Section 405.

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Key Takeaways

Example

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Related Statutes

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