§ 42519 Food Processing Definition

Food and Agricultural Code·California

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Key Takeaways

•Processing food means changing it in big ways, like canning, making juice, or fermenting it.
•It does NOT include just keeping food cold (above freezing) or letting it ripen faster or slower.
•If you change how the food looks, tastes, or lasts a long time, that’s processing.

Example

Turning grapes into wine.

This is processing because fermenting the grapes changes them into something totally new (wine).

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

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 42519 Food Processing Definition

“Processing” means canning, preserving, or fermenting, which materially alters the flavor, keeping quality, or any other property, the extracting of juices or other substances, or the making of any substantial change of form. It does not include refrigeration at temperatures which are above the freezing point nor any other treatment which merely retards or accelerates the natural processes of ripening or decomposition. (Enacted by Stats. 1967, Ch. 15.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

Processing canning preserving fermenting refrigeration

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Food and Agricultural Code. Section 42519.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References