text: The department may adopt, by regulation, provisions to examine applicants for the positions of licensed livestock meat inspector and licensed processing inspector.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 680, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 3. Regulations


kind: section

code: FAC

text: The department, in consultation with the State Department of Health Services, shall, on or before December 31, 2001, adopt, by regulations, standards and requirements relating to inspection, sanitation, facilities, equipment, reinspection, preparation, processing, buying, selling, transporting, storing, identification, recordkeeping, registration and labeling, and marking for fallow deer slaughtered and processed under this chapter. The regulations shall provide for the safe and humane handling and transportation of the fallow deer to a state inspected slaughter facility. No custom livestock slaughterhouse or meat processing establishment shall be approved by the department to slaughter or process fallow deer until adoption of these regulations.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 373, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2001.)

division: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY

part: 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS

article: 3. Regulations

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 4.1. California Meat and Poultry Supplemental Inspection Act > 3. Regulations


text:
(a) Prior to the issuance of a license to an establishment required to be licensed pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 19010), the establishment shall meet the department’s building and equipment standards.

(b) Building plans and specifications shall be submitted to the director for approval prior to any intended construction or major reconstruction for any establishment licensed pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 19010).

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1128, Sec. 1.)

article: 4. Inspection Granting and Withdrawal

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 4.1. California Meat and Poultry Supplemental Inspection Act > 4. Inspection Granting and Withdrawal


text: The director shall investigate the sanitary conditions of each establishment required to be licensed pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 19010) and shall withdraw or otherwise refuse to provide inspection services at any establishment where the sanitary conditions are such as to render adulterated or permit adulteration of any livestock product or poultry product which is prepared or handled at such establishment. No such establishment shall be operated without inspection.

chapter: 4.1. California Meat and Poultry Supplemental Inspection Act

article: 4. Inspection Granting and Withdrawal


text: The director may inspect, reinspect, or order the reinspection of any livestock or poultry product which is slaughtered, processed, or stored in an establishment licensed pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 19010).

article: 4. Inspection Granting and Withdrawal


text:
(a) Licensed livestock meat inspectors, licensed processing inspectors, and department inspectors are authorized to supervise the operations of licensed establishments, to order the establishments not to operate until required standards are met, and to cease operations when the standards are violated. These persons are also authorized to require withholding from movement, sale, or the delivery of products that may be unfit, because the products were derived from unfit animals or processed in unsanitary conditions and to require denaturing and condemnation of the unfit products.

(b) The department may immediately withdraw or refuse to provide inspection services to any establishment under this chapter that fails to cease operations, hold any retained product, or destroy any condemned product in accordance with the order of a department inspector or licensed livestock meat inspector or licensed processing inspector. It is unlawful to violate any such order.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 680, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 4. Inspection Granting and Withdrawal


text: The director may order any labeling or containers to be withheld from use if he or she determines that the labeling is false or misleading or the containers are of a misleading size or form.

article: 4. Inspection Granting and Withdrawal


text: If an action of a livestock meat inspector, licensed processing inspector, or department inspector in condemning any livestock or poultry product is questioned, appeal by the licensed establishment operator may be made to the immediate supervisor of the inspector and from his or her decision appeal may be made to the Chief of the Meat and Poultry Inspection Branch. The operator shall abide by the decision of the inspector until or unless the decision is modified by the supervisor or the chief.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 680, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 4. Inspection Granting and Withdrawal


text: If slaughtering, carcass preparation, or processing of any meat, meat products, poultry, or poultry products, or training of licensed livestock meat inspectors or licensed processing inspectors is conducted in an establishment licensed under Article 8 (commencing with Section 19010) during hours considered overtime for state employees or on legal holidays, the owner or operator of the establishment, by contract or agreement with the department, shall pay the additional costs for salaries and expenses for persons employed by the department, as determined by the department, to conduct the necessary inspection work or training during the overtime period.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 680, Sec. 9. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 4. Inspection Granting and Withdrawal


text: The director may require a deposit to pay for the overtime charges which he or she shall deposit in the General Fund, and may refuse inspection if the deposit is not made in a timely fashion. The director shall withdraw inspection services at any establishment licensed under Article 8 (commencing with Section 19010) that does not pay the overtime charges 15 days after the mailing of an invoice therefor.

article: 4. Inspection Granting and Withdrawal


text:
(a) The application fee for a livestock meat inspector’s license or a processing inspector’s license is one hundred dollars ($100). If an applicant for a license does not take the examination within one year after the date of the receipt of the application by the secretary, the application expires. Reexamination requires the payment of an additional application fee.

(b) Each license shall expire on the last day of the calendar year for which it is issued. The fee shall not be prorated.

(c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2027, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is enacted before January 1, 2027, deletes or extends that date.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 392, Sec. 1. (SB 815) Effective January 1, 2022. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, by its own provisions.)

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 4.1. California Meat and Poultry Supplemental Inspection Act > 5. Livestock Meat Inspector and Processing Inspector Licenses—General Provisions


text:
(a) Application for renewal of a license accompanied by a fee of one hundred dollars ($100) shall be made on or before its expiration. Applicants for renewal of a license who have not paid the renewal fee by the expiration date of the license shall be assessed a twenty-five dollar ($25) penalty. Failure to pay the renewal fee plus the penalty within 90 days of expiration shall cause a revocation of a license.

(b) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2027, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is enacted before January 1, 2027, deletes or extends that date.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 392, Sec. 2. (SB 815) Effective January 1, 2022. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, by its own provisions.)

article: 5. Livestock Meat Inspector and Processing Inspector Licenses—General Provisions


text: The department shall conduct periodic training for licensed livestock meat inspectors and licensed processing inspectors to maintain and increase their competence in the performance of their official duties.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 680, Sec. 11. Effective January 1, 1999.)


text: Licensed livestock meat inspectors and licensed processing inspectors shall participate in annual training meetings sponsored by the department to maintain and increase their competence in the performance of their official duties. Failure to participate may be a cause to revoke their license.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 680, Sec. 12. Effective January 1, 1999.)


text:
(a) Each person, before acting as a livestock meat inspector in a livestock custom slaughterhouse, shall apply to the director and shall receive from the director a license after passing an examination and a demonstration that shows the applicant’s ability to understand laws and regulations which pertain to meat inspection and a practical knowledge of all the following:

(1) Conditions which affect adulteration and wholesomeness of livestock and livestock products.

(2) The anatomy of livestock.

(3) Sanitary livestock slaughter and dressing procedures.

(4) Sanitation of the facilities and equipment used in custom livestock slaughterhouses.

(b) Applicants shall not be less than 18 years old.

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 4.1. California Meat and Poultry Supplemental Inspection Act > 6. Livestock Meat Inspector License—Custom Livestock Slaughter


text:
(a) A licensed livestock meat inspector, in accordance with regulations adopted hereunder, shall conduct antemortem examination of each animal to be slaughtered in a licensed establishment and shall permit the slaughter of apparently healthy animals and withhold from slaughter all animals suspected, as well as those plainly showing evidence, of a disease. Animals so withheld shall be examined by a department employee who shall order the disposition of the animal pursuant to the regulations adopted hereunder.

(b) The licensed livestock meat inspector shall conduct a postmortem examination and make dispositions of carcasses and parts thereof in accordance with regulations adopted hereunder.

(c) A licensed livestock meat inspector shall conduct a sanitation inspection before the establishment commences operations for the day, and make periodic inspections throughout the day.

(d) The licensed livestock meat inspector shall order the establishment not to begin operations or to cease operations at any time that the establishment sanitation fails to meet the requirements of this chapter and the regulations adopted thereunder, or at any time any product is not handled, retained, condemned, or disposed of in violation of this chapter or the regulations thereunder.

(e) (1) Passed carcasses and parts of cattle, sheep, swine, and goat shall be stamped by the licensed livestock meat inspector or under his or her supervision with an approved California identification number.

(2) Passed carcasses and parts of fallow deer slaughtered and prepared for transportation or sale shall be stamped with an approved mark of inspection.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 373, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 6. Livestock Meat Inspector License—Custom Livestock Slaughter


text:
Each person, before acting as a licensed processing inspector in a retail meat processing establishment, shall apply to the department and receive from the department a license after passing an examination and a demonstration that shows the applicant’s ability to understand laws and regulations that pertain to meat inspection and a practical knowledge of all the following:

(a) Conditions that affect adulteration, misbranding, and wholesomeness of livestock and poultry products.

(b) Sanitary meat and poultry processing procedures.

(c) Sanitation of the facilities and the equipment used in retail meat processing establishments.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 373, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2001.)

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 4.1. California Meat and Poultry Supplemental Inspection Act > 7. Processing Inspector License—Meat Processing Establishment


text:
(a) A licensed processing inspector shall conduct a sanitation inspection before the establishment commences operations for the day, and shall make periodic inspections throughout the day.

(b) The licensed processing inspector shall order the establishment not to begin operations or to cease operations at any time that the establishment sanitation fails to meet the requirements of this chapter and the regulations adopted thereunder, or at any time any product is not handled, retained, condemned, or disposed of in violation of this chapter or the regulations thereunder.

(c) The licensed processing inspector shall direct the application of the mark of inspection as provided by regulations on products that are inspected by him or her and found to be wholesome, not adulterated, and derived from (1) United States Department of Agriculture inspected carcasses, or (2) fallow deer carcasses at custom livestock slaughterhouses.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 373, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 7. Processing Inspector License—Meat Processing Establishment


text: The department may suspend or revoke the license of a licensed processing inspector for permitting the processing or labeling of products not meeting the requirements provided for in this article.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 680, Sec. 15. Effective January 1, 1999.)


text:
(a) Each person shall, before operating a meat processing establishment or a custom livestock slaughterhouse, file an application accompanied with an application fee, with the secretary for a license to operate the establishment. The application shall be in the form as the secretary may prescribe.

(b) Subject to Section 19011.5, the application fee for a meat processing establishment or a new, previously unlicensed custom livestock slaughterhouse is five hundred dollars ($500) for a license for one year for each establishment that the applicant desires to operate. Each license shall expire on the last day of the calendar year for which it was issued. The fee shall not be prorated.

(c) The fee for a license application submitted upon a change of ownership of an existing, previously licensed custom livestock slaughterhouse shall be based on the number of head of livestock slaughtered by the custom livestock slaughterhouse during the preceding October through September time period, as described in subdivision (a) of Section 19011.

(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2027, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is enacted before January 1, 2027, deletes or extends that date.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 392, Sec. 3. (SB 815) Effective January 1, 2022. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, by its own provisions.)

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 4.1. California Meat and Poultry Supplemental Inspection Act > 8. Licensed Meat Processing and Custom Livestock Slaughter Establishments


text:
(a) Application for renewal of a license accompanied by a renewal fee shall be made on or before its expiration.

(1) Subject to Section 19011.5, the annual renewal fee for a custom livestock slaughterhouse is:

(A) Five hundred dollars ($500) if the plant slaughtered 1,000 or fewer head of livestock during the preceding October through September time period.

(B) Seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) if the plant slaughtered between 1,000 and 5,000 head of livestock during the preceding October through September time period.

(C) One thousand two hundred dollars ($1,200) if the plant slaughtered over 5,000 head of livestock during the preceding October through September time period.

(2) Subject to Section 19011.5, the annual renewal fee for a meat reprocessing establishment is five hundred dollars ($500).

(b) Applicants for renewal who have not paid the renewal fee by the expiration date of the license shall be assessed a penalty of 10 percent of the unpaid balance. Failure to pay the renewal fee plus the penalty within 90 days of expiration shall cause a revocation of a license.

(c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2027, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is enacted before January 1, 2027, deletes or extends that date.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 392, Sec. 4. (SB 815) Effective January 1, 2022. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, by its own provisions.)

article: 8. Licensed Meat Processing and Custom Livestock Slaughter Establishments


text: If a licensee has two or more licenses in effect at the same meat processing establishment, custom livestock slaughterhouse, place of business, or poultry plant, pursuant to Section 19010, 19011, 19240, 19260, 19280, or 24741, the license fee that is the highest amount shall be paid in full and each additional license fee shall be in an amount that is 50 percent of the fee that would otherwise be applicable.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 134, Sec. 3. (AB 107) Effective July 26, 2011.)


text: No person shall operate a licensed establishment performing the functions stated in this chapter unless all livestock and livestock products are inspected for wholesomeness and the facilities are inspected for sanitation by a licensed livestock meat inspector or a licensed processing inspector.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 680, Sec. 16. Effective January 1, 1999.)


text: No person shall operate a meat processing establishment unless all livestock and poultry products used in processing and to be sold have been inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture, fallow deer products have been inspected at a custom livestock slaughterhouse, or poultry products have been inspected in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 24951) of Part 1 of Division 12 and the processing of the product is inspected by a licensed processing inspector.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 373, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2001.)


text: Plant sanitation, sanitary dressing procedures, processing procedures, vehicle equipment, facility standards, and sanitation, including transportation and storage of products, shall follow procedures which may be set forth in regulations or operations manuals adopted by the department.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1128, Sec. 1.)


text: Livestock carcasses and parts and livestock and poultry products shall not be packed, repacked, cut up, recut, or sold unless each container or each part or each carcass, whichever is applicable, is marked in a manner which is required by this chapter and the regulations thereunder.


text:
(a) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), all custom slaughtered livestock carcasses and parts shall be marked in a manner required by the department to identify the inspected premises and that the products are not for sale.

(2) Fallow deer carcasses and parts thereof intended for transportation or sale shall be marked in a manner required by the department to identify the inspected premises and to show that the products have been inspected under this chapter.

(b) The department shall determine, by regulation, the official design of the marks that are required by this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 373, Sec. 9. Effective January 1, 2001.)


text:
It is unlawful to do any of the following:

(a) Operate an establishment not licensed by the department.

(b) Operate an establishment that is not clean.

(c) Operate an establishment in a manner or under conditions that are not sanitary.

(d) Operate an establishment that does not meet the sanitary building or equipment standards pursuant to the regulations of this chapter.

(e) Operate an establishment in violation of an order of a licensed livestock meat inspector, licensed processing inspector, or a department inspector.

(f) Dispose of condemned and inedible livestock carcasses or parts of livestock products in violation of this chapter or the regulations thereunder.

(g) Misbrand or mislabel livestock and poultry products.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 680, Sec. 17. Effective January 1, 1999.)


text:
This chapter does not apply to any of the following:

(a) Owners who slaughter, on their own premises, livestock of their own raising where the meat is not for sale, but used exclusively by the owners, members of the owner’s household, the owner’s employees, and nonpaying guests.

(b) A mobile slaughter operator who provides services to an owner as specified in subdivision (a) where the slaughter occurs on the owner’s premises and the meat is thereafter transported for the owner to an establishment for further processing.

(c) (1) A mobile slaughter operator who provides services to an owner of livestock and slaughters multiple livestock from multiple owners, if the slaughter occurs on the premises of one of the owners of the livestock or on the premises of the producer, subject to the following conditions:

(A) Before the slaughter, if the livestock slaughtered are cattle, the cattle are inspected pursuant to Section 21051.

(B) After the slaughter, the meat is transported for the owner to an establishment for further processing.

(C) The meat is not for sale, but is used exclusively by the owner, members of the owner’s household, the owner’s employees, and nonpaying guests.

(D) The producer that has mobile slaughter operations conducted on their premises shall register with the department and maintain records pursuant to this chapter.

(E) The mobile slaughter operator shall be licensed as a custom livestock slaughter operation with the department pursuant to this chapter.

(F) The mobile slaughter operator shall be licensed as a livestock meat inspector with the department pursuant to this chapter and shall complete annual training as provided by the Meat, Poultry and Egg Safety Branch of the department.

(G) The mobile slaughter operator licensed with the department shall maintain records pursuant to this chapter and the records shall be made available, upon request, to a department inspector, investigator, or peace officer.

(H) The premises or the mobile slaughter facility where slaughter is conducted shall have an adequate sewer, facilities, and potable water.

(2) The exemption in paragraph (1) shall apply to the slaughter of more than one head of livestock on a single premises in a calendar year.

(3) Slaughter activities conducted, including the proper disposition of inedible materials, pursuant to the exemption in paragraph (1) shall comply with all other applicable state and federal environmental and zoning laws.

(4) For purposes of this article, the following terms shall apply:

(A) “Livestock” means any cattle, sheep, goat, and swine used for human food.

(B) “Producer” means the person who owned and was responsible for feeding and caring for the livestock before its sale and slaughter on the person’s premises.

(d) Persons solely engaged in cutting, wrapping, and otherwise processing farm or custom slaughter livestock or the processing and sale of fresh meats derived from United States Department of Agriculture inspected carcasses, except the curing, smoking, and preparing of cooked or smoked sausages or cooked pork products that are not exempted under subdivision (b) of Section 18814.

(e) Livestock slaughter and meat and poultry processing inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 378, Sec. 1. (AB 888) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 9. Exemptions

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 4.1. California Meat and Poultry Supplemental Inspection Act > 9. Exemptions


text:
(a) A mobile slaughter operator performing the service of slaughtering livestock pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 19020 shall be licensed with the department as both of the following:

(1) A custom livestock slaughter operation pursuant to Sections 19010 and 19022 and is subject to Section 19023. The department shall establish a license fee and a renewal fee to cover costs associated with oversight and inspection of mobile slaughter operators. The fees shall not exceed the reasonable regulatory costs of the department and in no event shall be more than five hundred dollars ($500).

(2) A livestock meat inspector pursuant to Sections 18980 and 19022 and subject to Section 19023.

(b) (1) The producer of the livestock who conducts multiple slaughter operations on their premise pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 19020 shall be registered with the department pursuant to Section 19022 and is subject to Section 19023. The one-time registration fee shall not exceed the regulatory costs of the department and in no event shall be more than one hundred dollars ($100).

(2) The producer shall reregister with the department if the producer moves locations or if the operation changes ownership. The reregistration fee shall be the same amount as the registration fee specified in paragraph (1).

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 378, Sec. 2. (AB 888) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 9. Exemptions


text:
(a) A mobile slaughter operator performing the service of slaughtering livestock pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 19020 shall file an application for a license that shows the names and addresses of the owners of the mobile slaughterer and any other information the secretary may require.

(b) The producer shall file a registration with the department that shows the name and address of every location where the slaughter of livestock will occur.

(c) The registration or license shall be filed with the Meat, Poultry and Egg Safety Branch of the department before a mobile slaughter operator may slaughter livestock pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 19020.

(d) After notice and hearing, the secretary may cancel the registration of any producer or the license of a mobile slaughter operator operating pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 19020 for failing to comply with this section or Section 19023.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 378, Sec. 3. (AB 888) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 9. Exemptions


text:
(a) A mobile slaughter operator that slaughters livestock pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 19020 shall keep and maintain all of the following records expressly for that purpose for at least one year:

(1) The date of slaughter of all livestock.

(2) The name, address, and telephone number of producer of the livestock that are being slaughtered.

(3) The address or other location identifier of where the slaughter occurred.

(4) The number of each livestock slaughtered at the address on the date of slaughter.

(5) All ear tag numbers and all identification markings, if available, on all livestock slaughtered, and, if no identification number or marking is present, record “no identification number or marking.”

(6) The name, address, and telephone number of the owner for each livestock slaughtered.

(7) The name and address of the facility that each carcass was transported to for processing.

(b) Every producer that produces livestock that are slaughtered by a mobile slaughter operator pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 19020 shall keep and maintain all of the following records for at least one year:

(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the buyer.

(2) All ear tag numbers and all other identification markings of all livestock.

(3) The price paid for each livestock.

(4) A purchase receipt for each livestock.

(5) The date of purchase of each livestock.

(6) The date of slaughter of each livestock.

(c) All records maintained pursuant to this section shall be available on the demand of any inspector or peace officer.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 378, Sec. 4. (AB 888) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 9. Exemptions


text: The director may, after a hearing conducted pursuant to Section 11346.8 of the Government Code, refuse to issue a license or renew a license and may revoke or suspend any license for any violation of or failure to comply with any provision of this chapter or any of the regulations thereunder. However, if the director finds evidence of willful or repeated violations, he or she may immediately suspend the license pending a final disposition of the matter.

article: 10. Violations and Penalties

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 4.1. California Meat and Poultry Supplemental Inspection Act > 10. Violations and Penalties


text: A violation of the provisions of this chapter is a misdemeanor.

article: 10. Violations and Penalties


text: Any person that violates any provision of this chapter, or any regulation that is issued pursuant to it, is liable civilly for a penalty in an amount not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) for each such violation. If the court finds that the violation of this chapter was a serious violation, or that the violation is a second or subsequent violation, the person is liable civilly for a penalty not to exceed fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) for each such violation.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 133, Sec. 25. (AB 120) Effective July 26, 2011.)

article: 10. Violations and Penalties


text: The Attorney General shall, upon complaint by the director, or may upon his or her own initiative, if after examination of the complaint and evidence he or she believes a violation has occurred, bring an action for civil penalties in the name of the people of this state in any court of competent jurisdiction in this state against any person violating any provision of this chapter.

article: 10. Violations and Penalties


text:
(a) In lieu of any civil action brought pursuant to Section 19032 and in lieu of seeking prosecution pursuant to Section 19031, the secretary may levy an administrative penalty not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) upon any person for each violation of this chapter.

(b) Before an administrative penalty is levied, the person charged with the violation shall be given a written notice of the proposed action, including the nature of the violation and the amount of the proposed penalty, and that person shall have the right to request a hearing. The request shall be made within 20 days after the person receives notice of the proposed action. A notice of the proposed action, which shall be sent by certified mail to the last-known address of the person charged, shall be considered received even if delivery is refused or if the notice is not accepted at that address. At the hearing, the person shall be given an opportunity to review the department’s evidence and to present evidence on his or her own behalf.

(c) Any person upon whom an administrative penalty is levied may appeal to the secretary, within 20 days of the date of receiving notification of the penalty, as follows:

(1) The appeal shall be in writing and signed by the appellant or his or her authorized agent and shall state the grounds for the appeal.

(2) Any party, at the time of filing the appeal or within 10 days thereafter, may present written evidence and a written argument to the secretary.

(3) The secretary may grant oral arguments upon application made at the time written arguments are made.

(4) If an application to present an oral argument is granted, written notice of the time and place for the oral argument shall be given at least 10 days prior to the date set therefor. This time requirement may be changed upon agreement between the secretary and the person appealing the penalty.

(5) The secretary shall decide the appeal based on any oral or written arguments, briefs, and evidence received.

(6) The secretary shall render a written decision within 45 days of the date of the appeal, or within 15 days of the date of oral arguments. A copy of the secretary’s decision shall be delivered or mailed to the appellant.

(7) The secretary may sustain the decision, modify the decision by reducing the amount of the penalty levied, or reverse the decision.

(8) A review of the secretary’s decision may be sought by the person against whom the penalty was levied pursuant to Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(d) After completion of the review procedure provided in this section, the secretary may file a certified copy of the department’s final decision that directs payment of an administrative penalty and, if applicable, any order that denies a petition for a writ of administrative mandamus, with the clerk of the superior court of any county. Judgment shall be entered by the clerk in conformity with the decision or order. No fees shall be charged by the clerk of the superior court for the performance of any official service required in connection with the entry of a judgment pursuant to this section.

(e) Any money that is received pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Department of Food and Agriculture Fund.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 133, Sec. 26. (AB 120) Effective July 26, 2011.)

article: 10. Violations and Penalties


text: In addition to the remedies provided in this chapter, the department may bring an action in superior court and the court shall have jurisdiction upon hearing and for cause shown, to grant a temporary or permanent injunction restraining any person from violating any provision of this chapter or the rules and regulations promulgated under this chapter. Any proceeding under the provisions of this section shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 525) of Title 7 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure. The department shall not, however, be required to allege facts necessary to show or tending to show lack of adequate remedy at law or to show or tending to show irreparable damage or loss. The court may require such acts or course of conduct as necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.

article: 10. Violations and Penalties


text: It is unlawful for any person to slaughter any livestock or prepare any such livestock products which are appropriate for use as human food at any custom livestock slaughterhouse or retail processing establishment except in compliance with the requirements of this chapter.

article: 10. Violations and Penalties


text: It is unlawful for any person to do with respect to any livestock which is appropriate for use as human food, any act, while it is being transported or held in storage after the transportation, which is intended to cause or has the effect of causing it to be adulterated.

article: 10. Violations and Penalties


text: It is unlawful for any person to violate any provision of the regulations promulgated by the director which are applicable to this chapter.

article: 10. Violations and Penalties


text: It is unlawful for any person knowingly to represent that an article has been examined by a licensed livestock meat inspector, licensed processing inspector, or department inspector or exempted under this chapter when in fact it has respectively not been so examined or exempted.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 680, Sec. 19. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 10. Violations and Penalties


text: It is unlawful for any person to assault, resist, impede, intimidate, or interfere with any person while engaged in the performance of duties under this chapter.

article: 10. Violations and Penalties


text:
(a) All fees, charges, and collections collected pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited in the Department of Food and Agriculture Fund.

(b) All fees, charges, and collections collected pursuant to this chapter shall be used for the enforcement of this chapter and shall be for a specific benefit or privilege conferred directly to the payer and such benefit or privilege shall not be provided to those not charged.

(c) Fees shall not exceed the reasonable costs associated with issuing the license or permit, performing investigations, inspections, and audits, enforcing provisions pursuant to the license or permit, and administrative enforcement and adjudication thereof.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 133, Sec. 28. (AB 120) Effective July 26, 2011.)

article: 11. Disposition of Funds

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 4.1. California Meat and Poultry Supplemental Inspection Act > 11. Disposition of Funds


text: As used in this chapter, animal means livestock as defined in Section 18663 and poultry as defined in Section 24657.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1971, Ch. 844.)

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 4.5. Holding, Segregation, and Disposal of Animals Unfit for Human Food Purposes


text: If the director determines that any animal raised for the production of any food product is or may be carrying in its body pesticides, poisons, or other deleterious substances, including, but not limited to, veterinary biologicals, antibiotics, pesticides, and heavy metal poisons which may render any food product from such animal injurious to human health, he may order the animal held on the premises where it is found or elsewhere until he has determined that the animal may safely be released for human food purposes. The director may require the segregation of animals held under such an order.

chapter: 4.5. Holding, Segregation, and Disposal of Animals Unfit for Human Food Purposes


text: If the director finds that any animal under a hold order pursuant to this chapter cannot, after treatment or care, be safely used for human food purposes, or contains in its body any such deleterious substance in excess of a tolerance established by the director, the director may after notice to the owner or person in possession of the animal, require that the animal be marked or branded or otherwise disposed of in such a manner as to preclude its use for human food. If the animal is fit for use as pet food the director may permit the animal to be so used.


text: It is unlawful for any person to fail to comply with any order of the director issued pursuant to this chapter.


text: The director may bring an action in the superior court of any county in which animals subject to a hold order are located to require enforcement of such order. The director shall not be required to allege an inadequate remedy at law or irreparable damage. The court may enjoin violation of the director’s orders and require such other course of action as may be necessary to assure compliance.


text: The owner of any animal for which a hold or disposal order is issued pursuant to this chapter may seek administrative review of such order in the same manner as is provided in Section 18931. The proceedings for such review shall be as provided in Section 18931. Any hold order under this chapter shall remain in force during such administrative review.


text: Unless the context otherwise requires, the definitions of this article govern the construction of this chapter.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 815.)

chapter: 5. Horsemeat and Pet Food

article: 1. Definitions

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 5. Horsemeat and Pet Food > 1. Definitions


text: “Animals” means burros, cattle, goats, horses, mules, sheep, swine and other large domesticated animals and poultry.

article: 1. Definitions


text: “Bureau” means Bureau of Meat and Poultry Inspection of the Department of Food and Agriculture.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 699, Sec. 3.)

article: 1. Definitions


text: “Canned pet food” means any commercially sterile food product packed in hermetically sealed containers and composed of either edible fresh or frozen meat or horsemeat, meat or horsemeat byproducts or fish, or a combination thereof. It may contain cereals, edible accessory food products or edible mineral- or vitamin-containing substances.

article: 1. Definitions


text: “Collection center” means a receiving area for the temporary storage of animal carcasses, packinghouse waste, or other products before transportation to a licensed rendering plant or pet food processor.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 393, Sec. 2. (AB 2612) Effective January 1, 2011.)

article: 1. Definitions


text: “Dead animal hauler” means any person or company that engages in the business of transporting the carcasses of dead animals.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 187, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2005.)

article: 1. Definitions


text: “Edible” means food fit to be eaten by dogs, cats, or other carnivora.

article: 1. Definitions


text: “Horsemeat byproducts” means the parts other than horsemeat which have been derived from horses, mules or burros, or any combination of them.

article: 1. Definitions


text:
“Horsemeat” means the uncooked muscle tissue of horse, mule or burro, or any combination thereof, which is skeletal, with or without the accompanying and overlaying fat, and the portion of sinews, nerves and blood vessels which normally accompany the muscle tissue and which are not separated from it in the process of dressing.

Except where otherwise provided herein, “horsemeat” shall include horsemeat and the horse byproducts as such terms are defined in Sections 19207 and 19208.

article: 1. Definitions


text: “Inspected horsemeat” means horsemeat produced in a slaughtering establishment under federal, state or state-approved municipal inspection.

article: 1. Definitions


text: “Meat” means the uncooked muscle tissue of a cow, goat, sheep, swine, or poultry which is skeletal, with or without the accompanying and overlaying fat, and the portion of sinews, nerves and blood vessels which normally accompany the muscle tissue and which are not separated from it in the process of dressing.

article: 1. Definitions


text: “Meat byproducts” means the edible parts other than meat which have been derived from cattle, goats, sheep, swine, or poultry or any combination of them.

article: 1. Definitions


text: “Pet” means any household animal including but not limited to cats or dogs and other carnivora, whether or not for public exhibition.

article: 1. Definitions


text: “Processed pet food” means a food for pets which has been prepared by heating, drying, semidrying, canning, or by a method of treatment prescribed by regulation of the State Department of Public Health. The term includes special diet, health foods, supplements, treats and candy for pets, but does not include fresh or frozen pet foods subject to the control of the California Department of Agriculture.

article: 1. Definitions


text: “Rendering” means all recycling, processing, and conversion of animal and fish materials and carcasses and inedible kitchen grease into fats, oils, proteins, and other products that are used in the animal, poultry, and pet food industries and other industries.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 535, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2003.)

article: 1. Definitions


text: “Slaughter” means to kill live animals and prepare for consumption for pet food purposes.

article: 1. Definitions


text: “Transporter of inedible kitchen grease” means any person who transports inedible kitchen grease.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 535, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2003.)

article: 1. Definitions


text: “Inedible kitchen grease” means any fat or used cooking greases and oils obtained from any source.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 699, Sec. 5.)

article: 1. Definitions


text:
(a) There is in state government a Rendering Industry Advisory Board consisting of seven persons, appointed by the secretary, six of whom are licensed under this chapter and are subject to payment of the rendering program licensing fees in accordance with this chapter, including, but not limited to, licensed renderers, dead haulers, and transporters of inedible kitchen grease. The secretary shall appoint one other member to the board who shall be a public member. Any vacancy in the office of a public member of the board shall be filled by appointment by the secretary.

(b) At least one of the six licensee members appointed by the secretary pursuant to subdivision (a) shall have experience and expertise in alternative uses of rendered products, including, but not limited to, use as energy, alternative fuels, lubricants, and other nontraditional uses.

(c) The public member appointed by the secretary pursuant to subdivision (a) shall have experience and expertise in one or more of the following:

(1) Water quality.

(2) Publicly owned treatment works and water infrastructure.

(3) Law enforcement.

(d) The members of the board shall receive no salary, but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the Department of Human Resources rules and regulations. These expenses shall be paid out of appropriations made to the department for that purpose.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 903, Sec. 1. (SB 1504) Effective January 1, 2019.)

article: 1.5. Rendering Industry Advisory Board

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 5. Horsemeat and Pet Food > 1.5. Rendering Industry Advisory Board


text: The term of office of the members of the board is three years. When the board is first appointed, three members shall be appointed for three years, two members for two years, and two members for one year. Thereafter, appointments shall be for full three-year terms. Vacancies shall be filled for an unexpired term.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 337, Sec. 1. (SB 513) Effective January 1, 2012.)

article: 1.5. Rendering Industry Advisory Board


text: The board shall elect a chairperson, and from time to time any other officers as it may deem advisable.

article: 1.5. Rendering Industry Advisory Board


text:
(a) The board shall meet at the call of its chairperson or the secretary or at the request of any three members of the board. The board shall meet at least once a year.

(b) A quorum of the board shall be five members. A vote of the majority of the members present at a meeting at which there is a quorum shall constitute an act of the board.

(c) No member, or any employee or agent thereof, shall be personally liable for the actions of the board or responsible individually in any way for errors in judgment, mistakes, or other acts, either by commission or omission, except for his or her own individual acts of dishonesty or crime.

article: 1.5. Rendering Industry Advisory Board


text:
(a) The board shall advise the secretary and may make recommendations to the secretary concerning all of the following:

(1) Adoption, modification, and repeal of regulations and procedures.

(2) Procedures for employment, training, supervision, and compensation of inspectors and other personnel.

(3) Rate and collection of license fees and penalties related thereto.

(4) Acquisition and use of equipment.

(5) Posting and noticing changes in bylaws, general procedures, or orders.

(6) All matters pertaining to this chapter, including, but not limited to, the inspection and enforcement program, annual budget, necessary fees to provide adequate services, and regulations required to accomplish the purposes of the chapter.

(b) The board shall keep accurate books and records of its activities, which shall be subject to annual audit by an auditing firm approved by the secretary. The audit shall be made a part of an annual report submitted to all persons licensed under this chapter. The books and records shall be available for audit during regular business hours upon request of the secretary.

article: 1.5. Rendering Industry Advisory Board


text: Persons subject to this chapter shall not have access to any information in the possession of any entity or entities established or designated pursuant to this chapter that would disclose proprietary information regarding any other person subject to this article, including, but not limited to, material test results, individual fee or license payments, rendering process, or formula information.

article: 1.5. Rendering Industry Advisory Board


text:
(a) The secretary shall adopt regulations to be used by the board to administer this article.

(b) In adopting regulations and procedures, the secretary shall accept the recommendations of the board if he or she finds them to be practicable and in the interest of the rendering industry and the public.

article: 1.5. Rendering Industry Advisory Board


text: The secretary shall, within 30 days of receiving a recommendation from the board in accordance with this article, provide the board with notice of the acceptance of the recommendation or with a written statement of the reasons for denial if he or she does not accept the recommendation.

article: 1.5. Rendering Industry Advisory Board


text: A license granted under this chapter shall expire on December 31 of each year.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 393, Sec. 3. (AB 2612) Effective January 1, 2011.)

article: 2. Licenses

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 5. Horsemeat and Pet Food > 2. Licenses


text: The application for a license or a renewal of a license shall be accompanied by the license fee.

article: 2. Licenses


text: A previous violation of any provision of this chapter is good and sufficient cause for denial of a license.

article: 2. Licenses


text: A proceeding for refusal or revocation of a license shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1, Division 3, Title 2 of the Government Code. The director shall have all the powers granted in that chapter.

article: 2. Licenses


text: Subject to Section 19229, the annual fee for each license held is one hundred dollars ($100).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 134, Sec. 4. (AB 107) Effective July 26, 2011.)

article: 2. Licenses


text: A separate license shall be required for each place of business.

article: 2. Licenses


text:
(a) In addition to the license fee required pursuant to Section 19225, the department may charge each licensed renderer and collection center an additional fee necessary to cover the reasonable costs of administering Article 6 (commencing with Section 19300) and Article 6.5 (commencing with Section 19310). The additional fees authorized to be imposed by this section shall not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per year per each licensed rendering plant or collection center.

(b) The secretary may, based upon the findings and recommendation of the Rendering Industry Advisory Board, determine the additional fee amounts necessary to provide the revenue needed to carry out the provisions of this chapter specified in subdivision (a). The secretary and the Rendering Industry Advisory Board shall not exceed the maximum amount for additional fees authorized pursuant to subdivision (a). Setting the additional fee or fees shall not be subject to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. The secretary shall only have the authority to raise an additional fee pursuant to this section upon recommendation of the Rendering Industry Advisory Board.

(c) The secretary shall fix the additional fee amounts established pursuant to this section and may fix different fees for renderers and collection centers. If an additional fee is imposed on licensed renderers pursuant to subdivision (a) and an additional fee is imposed on registered transporters pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 19315, only one additional fee may be imposed on a person or firm that is both licensed as a renderer pursuant to Article 6 (commencing with Section 19300) and registered as a transporter of inedible kitchen grease pursuant to Article 6.5 (commencing with Section 19310), which fee shall be the higher of the two fees.

(d) If the additional fee established pursuant to this section is not paid within one calendar month of the date it is due, a penalty shall be imposed in the amount of 10 percent per annum on the amount of the unpaid fee.

(e) This section shall become inoperative on July 1, 2030, and, as of January 1, 2031, is repealed, unless a later enacted statute that becomes operative on or before January 1, 2031, deletes or extends the dates on which it becomes inoperative and is repealed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 215, Sec. 1. (AB 2721) Effective January 1, 2025. Inoperative July 1, 2030, by its own provisions. Repealed as of January 1, 2031, by its own provisions.)

article: 2. Licenses


text: All fees, charges, and collections collected pursuant to Sections 19225, 19227, 19312, and 19315 shall be paid into the State Treasury monthly to the credit of the Department of Food and Agriculture Fund. All fees, charges, and collections collected pursuant to Sections 19225, 19227, 19312, and 19315 shall be used for the enforcement of this chapter.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 434, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1995.)

article: 2. Licenses


text: If a licensee has two or more licenses in effect at the same meat processing establishment, custom livestock slaughterhouse, place of business, or poultry plant, pursuant to Section 19010, 19011, 19240, 19260, 19280, or 24741, the license fee that is the highest amount shall be paid in full and each additional license fee shall be in an amount that is 50 percent of the fee that would otherwise be applicable.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 134, Sec. 5. (AB 107) Effective July 26, 2011.)

article: 2. Licenses


text: Every person engaged in the business of slaughtering animals for pet food or horses for human food purposes shall first obtain a license pursuant to this chapter.

article: 3. Pet Food and Horse Slaughterers

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 5. Horsemeat and Pet Food > 3. Pet Food and Horse Slaughterers


text:
The application shall be in a form which is prescribed by the director and shall contain the following:

(a) The name and address of the applicant.

(b) Where each slaughterhouse in which he intends to operate is located and to whom it belongs.

(c) The experience the applicant has in slaughtering.

(d) Such other information as the director may, by regulation, require.

article: 3. Pet Food and Horse Slaughterers


text:
The secretary, after notice and hearing, shall refuse to issue a license unless he or she finds that the applicant satisfies all of the following:

(a) Is qualified to operate a slaughterhouse.

(b) Is properly equipped to engage in the business of slaughtering in a clean and sanitary manner.

(c) Has never been convicted of a felony involving adulterated or misbranded food.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 680, Sec. 21. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 3. Pet Food and Horse Slaughterers


text: Every person engaged in the business of processing, packing, or preparing fresh or frozen horsemeat or any other meat product for use as pet food of any kind, shall first obtain a license pursuant to this chapter, except those persons licensed pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 113025) of Part 6 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1023, Sec. 61. Effective September 29, 1996.)

article: 4. Pet Food Processor

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 5. Horsemeat and Pet Food > 4. Pet Food Processor


text:
The application for a license shall be in a form which is prescribed by the secretary and shall contain the following:

(a) The name and address of the applicant.

(b) Where each processing plant in which he intends to operate is located and to whom it belongs.

(c) The experience the applicant has in processing.

(d) What interest or control the applicant has in any dead animal hauler, rendering plant, or collection center.

(e) Any other information that the secretary may, by regulation, require.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 187, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2005.)

article: 4. Pet Food Processor


text:
The secretary, after notice and hearing, shall refuse to issue a license unless he or she finds that the applicant satisfies all of the following:

(a) Is qualified to operate a processing plant.

(b) Is properly equipped to engage in the business of processing in a clean and sanitary manner.

(c) Has never been convicted of a felony involving adulterated or misbranded food.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 680, Sec. 22. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 4. Pet Food Processor


text: Every person who engages in the business of importing (distributing or jobbing) fresh or frozen meat, meat byproducts, horsemeat byproducts, poultry meat, or poultry meat byproducts for pet food or horsemeat for human food purposes shall first obtain a license pursuant to this chapter.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 815.)

article: 5. Horsemeat and Pet Food Importer

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 5. Horsemeat and Pet Food > 5. Horsemeat and Pet Food Importer


text:
The application shall be in a form which is prescribed by the director and shall contain the following:

(a) The name and address of the applicant.

(b) The application for license shall be accompanied by a certificate issued by a federal, state, or local health agency certifying that the slaughtering or processing facilities of the slaughterer or processor of the horsemeat or pet food are operated under sanitary conditions and that the meat, meat byproducts, horsemeat, horsemeat byproducts, poultry meat, or poultry meat byproducts processed or fresh or frozen pet food to be imported conforms to the requirements of this act or the regulations adopted hereunder.

(c) Such other information as the director may, by regulation, require.

article: 5. Horsemeat and Pet Food Importer


text: The director shall issue a license unless he finds, after notice and hearing, that the applicant has been convicted of a felony involving adulterated or misbranded food or has violated any of the provisions of this chapter or regulations promulgated thereunder.

article: 5. Horsemeat and Pet Food Importer


text: Every person engaged in the business of rendering shall obtain a license from the department for each rendering plant.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 329, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2000.)

article: 6. Renderers

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 5. Horsemeat and Pet Food > 6. Renderers


text: Every person engaged in the business of operating a collection center shall obtain a license from the department for each collection center operated.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 329, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2000.)

article: 6. Renderers


text:
The application for a license shall be in a form which is prescribed by the director and shall contain the following:

(a) The name and address of the applicant.

(b) Where each rendering plant or collection center which he intends to operate is located.

(c) The experience the applicant has in rendering.

(d) Such other information as the director may by regulation require.

article: 6. Renderers


text:
(a) The department may refuse to issue a license if the department finds that the applicant does not meet one or more of the following requirements:

(1) The applicant is properly equipped to engage in the business of rendering or operating a collection center. For these purposes, the department shall consult with the rendering industry to determine the equipment that shall be required.

(2) The applicant has never been convicted of a felony involving adulterated or misbranded food.

(3) The applicant has not violated this article or Article 6.5 (commencing with Section 19310), or any regulations adopted to implement those provisions.

(b) A person to whom the department refuses to issue a license may appeal to the department within 20 days of the date of receiving notification of the refusal, in the following manner:

(1) The appeal shall be in writing and signed by the appellant or his or her authorized agent and shall state the grounds for the appeal.

(2) A party, at the time of filing the appeal, or within 10 days after filing the appeal, may present written evidence and a written argument to the department.

(3) The department may grant oral arguments upon application made at the time written arguments are made.

(4) If an application to present an oral argument is granted, the department shall give written notice of the time and place for the oral argument at least 10 days prior to the date set for the oral argument. This time requirement may be altered by an agreement between the department and the person appealing the refusal to issue the license.

(5) The department shall decide the appeal on any oral or written arguments, briefs, and evidence that the department receives.

(6) The department shall render a written decision within 45 days of the date of appeal, or within 15 days of the date of oral arguments. A copy of the department’s decision shall be delivered or mailed to the appellant.

(7) The department may sustain the decision to refuse to issue a license or reverse that decision.

(8) The appellant may seek a review of the decision of the department pursuant to Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 595, Sec. 2. (AB 1566) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 6. Renderers


text:
In addition to any other records required to be kept pursuant to this chapter, every licensed renderer shall record and keep for 2 years, in connection with the receipt of kitchen grease which is not intended for human food, all of the following information:

(a) The name, address, and registration number of every transporter of inedible kitchen grease who has delivered that material to the renderer.

(b) The total amount of inedible kitchen grease purchased in each transaction.

(c) The date of each transaction.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 533, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2006.)

article: 6. Renderers


text: All records required to be retained pursuant to this chapter shall be maintained for two years at the regular place of business of every renderer and collection center operator licensed pursuant to this article and every transporter registered pursuant to Article 6.5 (commencing with Section 19310). Those records shall be exhibited on demand to any peace officer or authorized employee of the Department of the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Food and Agriculture.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 595, Sec. 3. (AB 1566) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 6. Renderers


text: Any peace officer of this state, or any employee of the department, during normal business hours, may inspect any premises maintained by a renderer or collection center operator licensed pursuant to this article or a transporter registered pursuant to Article 6.5 (commencing with Section 19310), and any inedible kitchen grease located on the premises, for the purpose of determining whether that renderer, collection center operator, or transporter is complying with the record maintenance requirements of this article.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 329, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2000.)

article: 6. Renderers


text:
(a) The department may suspend or revoke a renderer license or collection center license at any time, if it finds any of the following has occurred:

(1) The licensee has sold or offered for sale to an unlicensed person, any inedible kitchen grease.

(2) The licensee has stolen, misappropriated, contaminated, or damaged inedible kitchen grease or containers of inedible kitchen grease.

(3) The licensee has violated any provision of this article or any regulations adopted to implement this article.

(4) The licensee has taken possession of inedible kitchen grease from an unregistered transporter or has knowingly taken possession of inedible kitchen grease that has been stolen.

(b) The licensee may appeal any suspension or revocation decision to the department within 20 days of the date of receiving notification of the suspension or revocation, pursuant to the following procedure:

(1) The appeal shall be in writing and signed by the appellant or his or her authorized agent and shall state the grounds for the appeal.

(2) A party, at the time of filing the appeal, or within 10 days after filing the appeal, may present written evidence and a written argument to the department.

(3) The department may grant oral arguments upon application made at the time written arguments are made.

(4) If an application to present an oral argument is granted, the department shall give written notice of the time and place for the oral argument at least 10 days prior to the date set for an oral argument. This time requirement may be altered by an agreement between the department and the person appealing the suspension or revocation of the license.

(5) The department shall decide the appeal on any oral or written arguments, briefs, and evidence that the department receives.

(6) The department shall render a written decision within 45 days of the date of appeal, or within 15 days of the date of oral arguments. A copy of the department’s decision shall be delivered or mailed to the appellant.

(7) The department may sustain the suspension or revocation decision or reverse that decision.

(8) The appellant may seek a review of the decision of the department pursuant to Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 595, Sec. 4. (AB 1566) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 6. Renderers


text:
(a) Any renderer or collection center operator licensed pursuant to this article or transporter registered pursuant to Article 6.5 (commencing with Section 19310) who fails in any respect to keep the written records required by this article, or to set out in that written record any matter required by this article to be set out in the record, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) Every renderer, collection center operator, or transporter who refuses, upon demand of any peace officer or authorized employee of the Department of the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Food and Agriculture, to exhibit any written record required by this article, or who destroys that record within two years after making the final entry of any information required by this article, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(c) Any violation of subdivision (a) or (b) is punishable as follows:

(1) For a first offense, by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than 30 days, or by both the fine and imprisonment.

(2) For a second offense within a period of one year, by a fine of not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000) or by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than 30 days, or by both the fine and imprisonment. In addition to any other punishment imposed pursuant to this paragraph, the court may order the defendant to stop engaging in the business as a renderer, collection center operator, or transporter for a period not to exceed 30 days.

(3) For a third or any subsequent offense within a period of two years, by a fine of not less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than six months, or by both the fine and imprisonment. In addition to any other sentence imposed pursuant to this paragraph, the court shall order the defendant to stop engaging in the business as a renderer, collection center operator, or transporter for a period of 30 days.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 595, Sec. 5. (AB 1566) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 6. Renderers


text:
(a) It is unlawful for any person or entity to engage in the transportation of inedible kitchen grease without being registered with the department and without being in possession of a valid registration certificate issued by the department.

(b) Each registration shall expire on December 31st each year.

(c) (1) The department shall require, as a condition of registration, that the applicant demonstrate the ability to respond to damages resulting from the transportation of inedible kitchen grease.

(2) The damages to be covered include public liability, which shall include, but not be limited to, liability for personal injury and property damage.

(3) The ability to respond to damages shall be demonstrated by providing proof of a policy of insurance or surety bond for that purpose in an amount not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000), except that the required amount shall be not less that one million dollars ($1,000,000) if the applicant operates only one vehicle and the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 10,000 pounds.

(4) This subdivision shall not preempt a local ordinance or rule that is more stringent than the provisions of this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 533, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2006.)

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 5. Horsemeat and Pet Food > 6.5. Transporters of Inedible Kitchen Grease


text: It is unlawful for any person who is not a registered transporter of inedible kitchen grease to transport that product from any place within this state to any place outside the borders of this state.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 533, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2006.)

article: 6.5. Transporters of Inedible Kitchen Grease


text: Any person registered as a transporter of inedible kitchen grease may deliver any inedible kitchen grease to a licensed renderer or collection center for processing or recycling into usable products. As used in this section, “usable products” includes, but is not limited to, biofuels, lubricants, and animal feed, provided the uses for animal feed are permitted by the rules and regulations adopted by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 533, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2006.)


text: Any renderer who operates vehicles for the purpose of collecting inedible kitchen grease shall register as a transporter of inedible kitchen grease and otherwise comply with this article.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 533, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2006.)


text:
(a) Registration shall be made with the department and shall include all of the following:

(1) The applicant’s name and address.

(2) A description of the operations to be performed by the applicant.

(3) The vehicles to be used in the transportation.

(4) A registration fee not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250).

(5) A list of the names of the drivers employed by the transporter who transport inedible kitchen grease subject to this article and their drivers’ license numbers.

(6) Any other information that may be required by the department.

(b) Any renderer or collection center that registers pursuant to this article is not required to pay the fee prescribed in this section.

(c) The department may refuse to issue an original or renewal registration certificate to an applicant for either of the following reasons:

(1) The existence of the grounds specified in subdivisions (a) to (e), inclusive, of Section 19314.

(2) A failure to pay, in full by the established due date, any penalty levied by the department for a previous violation of this article or Article 6 (commencing with Section 19300).

(d) (1) The applicant may appeal the decision of the department to refuse to register the applicant.

(2) The department shall establish procedures for the appeals process, to include a noticed hearing.

(3) The department may reverse a decision to refuse to register the applicant, upon a finding of good cause to do so.

(e) The department shall adopt regulations that specify the maximum time period for which a refusal of registrations may be imposed, based on the severity or the number of violations that are the basis of the department’s action. The time period for the refusal of registration shall not exceed three years from the date the refusal of registration is imposed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 286, Sec. 2. (AB 655) Effective January 1, 2017.)


text: Every vehicle used in the transportation of inedible kitchen grease shall conspicuously display the name of the owner of the vehicle in letters not less than two inches high.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 699, Sec. 7.)


text:
In addition to any other records required to be kept pursuant to this chapter, every transporter of inedible kitchen grease shall record and maintain for two years all of the following:

(a) The name and address of each location from which the transporter obtained the inedible kitchen grease.

(b) The quantity of material received from each location.

(c) The date on which the inedible kitchen grease was obtained from each location.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2005, Ch. 533, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2006.)


text: It is unlawful for any person to steal, misappropriate, contaminate, or damage inedible kitchen grease, or containers thereof.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 1036, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1994.)


text: A registered transporter or any other person shall not take possession of inedible kitchen grease from an unregistered transporter, an unlicensed collection center, or an unlicensed renderer, or knowingly take possession of stolen inedible kitchen grease.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 595, Sec. 7. (AB 1566) Effective January 1, 2015.)


text:
The department may suspend or revoke a registration certificate, at any time, if it finds any of the following has occurred:

(a) The registrant has sold or offered for sale to an unlicensed person, any inedible kitchen grease.

(b) The registrant has stolen, misappropriated, contaminated, or damaged inedible kitchen grease or containers of inedible kitchen grease.

(c) The registrant has violated this article or any regulations adopted to implement this article.

(d) The registrant has taken possession of inedible kitchen grease from an unregistered transporter or has knowingly taken possession of inedible kitchen grease that has been stolen.

(e) The registrant has been found to have engaged in, or aided and abetted another person or entity in the commission of, any violation of a statute, regulation, or order relating to the transportation or disposal of inedible kitchen grease, including a violation of the federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.), the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (Division 7 (commencing with Section 13000) of the Water Code), Section 5650 of the Fish and Game Code, commercial vehicle weight limits, or commercial vehicle hours of service.

(f) For purposes of this section, “registrant” includes any business entity, trustee, officer, director, partner, person, or other entity holding more than 5 percent equity, ownership, or debt liability in the registered entity engaged in the transportation of inedible kitchen grease.

(g) (1) The registrant may appeal the suspension or revocation decision of the department.

(2) The department shall establish procedures for the appeals process, to include a noticed hearing.

(3) The department may reverse a suspension or revocation upon a finding of good cause to do so.

(h) The department shall adopt regulations that specify the maximum time period during which a suspension or revocation of a registration certificate may be imposed, based on the severity or the number of violations that are the basis of the department’s action. The time period for the suspension or revocation of the registration certificate shall not exceed three years from the date the suspension or revocation of the registration certificate is imposed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 595, Sec. 8. (AB 1566) Effective January 1, 2015.)


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (c), in addition to the registration fee required by Section 19312, the department may charge a fee necessary to cover the costs of administering this article. Any additional fee charged pursuant to this section shall not exceed five hundred dollars ($500) per year per vehicle that is operated to transport kitchen grease, and shall not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per year per registered transporter.

(b) The secretary may, based upon the findings and recommendation of the Rendering Industry Advisory Board, determine the specific fee per vehicle necessary to provide the revenue needed to carry out the provisions of this article. The secretary and the Rendering Industry Advisory Board shall not exceed the maximum fee amounts established by this section. Setting the fee amounts authorized pursuant to subdivision (a) shall not be subject to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. The secretary shall only have the authority to raise an additional fee pursuant to this section upon recommendation of the Rendering Industry Advisory Board.

(c) An individual registered pursuant to this article who transports inedible kitchen grease for the individual’s own personal, noncommercial use as an alternative fuel is exempt from 75 percent of the fee charged pursuant to subdivision (a), and shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) The individual shall meet all other requirements of this article.

(2) The individual shall not transport more than 55 gallons of inedible kitchen grease per load for that purpose, and shall have no more than 165 gallons of inedible kitchen grease in the individual’s possession or control at any time.

(3) The individual shall not take any inedible kitchen grease from a container owned by another registered transporter of inedible kitchen grease or from an inedible kitchen grease provider under contract with a registered transporter of inedible kitchen grease or from a container owned by a renderer or collection center.

(4) The individual shall have a document in the individual’s possession while transporting inedible kitchen grease signed by the responsible party providing the inedible kitchen grease to the individual at the source of the inedible kitchen grease that provides permission for the inedible kitchen grease to be removed from that site.

(5) The individual shall specify where the inedible kitchen grease is stored and processed as an alternative fuel, if that address is different from the address included on the registration form for that individual pursuant to Section 19312.

(6) The individual shall not sell, barter, or trade any inedible kitchen grease.

(d) The secretary shall fix the additional fees established pursuant to this section and may fix different fees for transporters of inedible kitchen grease and collection centers, and for transporters of interceptor grease. If an additional fee is imposed on licensed renderers pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 19227 and an additional fee is imposed on registered transporters pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section, only one additional fee may be imposed on a person or firm that is both licensed as a renderer pursuant to Article 6 (commencing with Section 19300) and registered as a transporter of inedible kitchen grease pursuant to this article, which fee shall be the higher of the two fees.

(e) If the additional fee established pursuant to this section is not paid within one calendar month of the date it is due, a penalty shall be imposed in the amount of 10 percent per annum on the amount of the unpaid fee.

(f) For purposes of this section, “interceptor grease” means inedible kitchen grease that is principally derived from food preparation, processing, or waste, and that is removed from a grease trap or grease interceptor.

(g) This section shall become inoperative on July 1, 2030, and, as of January 1, 2031, is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, which becomes effective on or before January 1, 2031, deletes or extends the dates on which it becomes inoperative and is repealed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 215, Sec. 2. (AB 2721) Effective January 1, 2025. Inoperative July 1, 2030, by its own provisions. Repealed as of January 1, 2031, by its own provisions.)


text: It is the purpose of this article to prevent the sale and transfer of illegally obtained inedible kitchen grease, to protect the environment, to reduce blockages of public sewer systems, and to prevent the improper and illegal transportation and disposal of inedible kitchen grease.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 533, Sec. 12. Effective January 1, 2006.)


text: The department is authorized to establish a system for documenting and tracking the transportation of inedible kitchen grease in order to ensure the proper disposal or recycling of that material.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2005, Ch. 533, Sec. 13. Effective January 1, 2006.)


text: A registered transporter of inedible kitchen grease shall, whenever any contract for the transportation of inedible kitchen grease under which that transporter provides transportation services is terminated or expires, notify the county health officer for the county in which the inedible kitchen grease was collected of the termination or expiration of the contract and that the registered transporter is no longer transporting inedible kitchen grease pursuant to that contract.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 929, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2005.)


text: All persons engaged in the business of hauling of dead cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses or other large domesticated animals or parts of the carcasses of any animal that died otherwise than by slaughter shall be licensed by the department.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 815.)

article: 7. Dead Animal Haulers

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 5. Horsemeat and Pet Food > 7. Dead Animal Haulers


text:
The application for a license shall be in a form which is prescribed by the director and shall contain the following:

(a) The name and address of the applicant.

(b) All vehicles that are to be registered pursuant to Section 19354.

(c) Such other information as the director may by regulation require.

article: 7. Dead Animal Haulers


text:
The secretary, after notice and hearing, may refuse to issue a license unless he finds that the applicant:

(a) Is properly equipped to engage in the business of dead animal hauling.

(b) Has never been convicted of a felony involving adulterated or misbranded food.

(c) Demonstrates character, responsibility, and good faith suitable for carrying on the business to be licensed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 187, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2005.)

article: 7. Dead Animal Haulers


text: No slaughterer shall own or control directly or indirectly, through stock ownership or control or otherwise, by himself or through his agents or employees, any interest in a person or company licensed to haul dead animals by Section 19320 unless his slaughterhouse is under state or federal inspection.

article: 8. General Provisions

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 5. Horsemeat and Pet Food > 8. General Provisions


text: No slaughterer shall pick up or receive any dead animal at his slaughterhouse except those which have died en route and such animals shall be transported directly and without delay to a licensed rendering establishment, however apparently healthy animals transported by a person other than a dead animal hauler, found to have just expired on arrival due to injuries during transportation may be immediately slaughtered under conditions specified by the secretary which will conform to the purposes of this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 187, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2005.)

article: 8. General Provisions


text: Every establishment where animals are slaughtered for pet food, or where fresh or frozen pet food is processed or prepared shall be maintained and operated in a clean and sanitary manner.

article: 8. General Provisions


text: All fresh or frozen meat, meat byproducts, horsemeat, and horsemeat byproducts sold or offered for sale to the public as pet food shall conform to the standards of this chapter or regulations promulgated by the director.

article: 8. General Provisions


text: Any carcasses or parts or products of animals which are not intended for use as human food shall prior to their being offered for sale or transportation, be denatured or otherwise identified as prescribed by regulations of the director to prevent their use as human food. No person shall buy, sell, transport, or offer for sale or transportation or receive for transportation any carcasses, parts thereof, meat or meat food product of any such animals which are not intended for use as human food unless they are denatured or otherwise identified as required by the regulations of the director.

article: 8. General Provisions


text: The Legislature finds that the use in pet food of animals that died from reasons other than slaughtering and pet food prepared from diseased animals or not prepared under sanitary conditions creates a public health hazard to the citizens and animals of this state.

article: 8. General Provisions


text:
(a) Unless a waiver is granted by the State Veterinarian in conjunction with implementation of Section 9562 or a declaration of a state of emergency or local emergency, as defined in subdivisions (b) and (c) of Section 8558 of the Government Code, pursuant to the California Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code), no dead animal hauler or any other person shall transport any dead animal to any place, other than to a licensed rendering plant, a licensed collection center, an animal disease diagnostic laboratory acceptable to the department, the nearest crematory, or to a destination in another state that has been approved for that purpose by the appropriate authorities in that state.

(b) The secretary may issue a master or individual permit to a licensed renderer, collection center, or dead animal hauler for the purpose of authorizing transport of a dead animal to an appropriately permitted landfill under either of the following circumstances:

(1) During a proclaimed state of emergency or local emergency, as defined in subdivisions (b) and (c) of Section 8558 of the Government Code.

(2) When the licensed hauler has certification from a licensed renderer, that the licensed renderer cannot process the dead animal due to operational conditions or legal or regulatory requirements or constraints. The certification shall be in a form approved by the department and, for purposes of this paragraph, “licensed hauler” shall include licensed collection centers and renderers.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to conflict with any state or federal environmental or zoning law, or to prohibit an owner of a live animal from burying the animal on the owner’s property after the animal dies if the burial is within three miles of where the animal died.

(d) Subdivision (a) does not apply to the Department of Transportation or to local agencies having jurisdiction over a road or highway when engaged in removing animal carcasses from the road or highway.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 280, Sec. 3. (AB 1249) Effective January 1, 2010.)

article: 8. General Provisions


text: The State Veterinarian is authorized to approve temporary research projects for the purpose of determining whether alternative methods of animal tissue disposal are capable of destroying organisms that cause disease and can be used effectively to protect public health and agricultural animals. Temporary projects shall not be approved for a period longer than 24 months.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 130, Sec. 99. Effective January 1, 2008.)

article: 8. General Provisions


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Section 19348 and regulations adopted by the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery pursuant to Section 43020 of the Public Resources Code, including, but not limited to, Section 17855.2 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, any part of a livestock carcass resulting from a routine livestock mortality event or on-farm processing may be composted if all of the following requirements are met:

(1) The composting of the carcass is conducted in accordance with best management practices for livestock composting adopted by the secretary in collaboration with the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery and the State Water Resources Control Board. The best management practices shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following specifications:

(A) Protection protocols for groundwater.

(B) Protection of public health and food supply.

(C) Proper management of compost piles.

(D) Collaboration procedures with local enforcement agencies.

(E) Enforcement and penalties for failing to follow the best management practices.

(2) The total amount of composting material onsite at any one time does not exceed 100 cubic yards, inclusive of livestock carcasses.

(3) All composting material, including livestock carcasses, comes from an agricultural site or sites owned or leased by the owner of the livestock carcasses.

(4) The composting activity occurs on an agricultural site owned or leased by the owner of the livestock carcasses. If the activity occurs on an agricultural site owned or leased by the owner that is not the site where the carcasses were generated:

(A) The activity shall occur in the county in which the carcass was generated or within an adjacent county.

(B) The transport of the carcasses shall comply with all applicable state and local laws and regulations.

(5) After the composting material is converted into cured compost, the cured compost is applied to an agricultural site owned or leased by the owner of the livestock carcasses that produced the cured compost and in compliance with the best management practices adopted pursuant to paragraph (1).

(6) The operator of the composting operation notifies the applicable local enforcement agency and the regional water quality control board of the facility within 30 days of commencing operation, including the location and operator contact information.

(b) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Livestock” means any mammalian animal described in Section 19201.

(2) “On-farm processing” means the slaughter of the livestock under circumstances authorized by subdivision (c) of Section 19020.

(3) “Routine livestock mortality event” means the death of the livestock from a natural cause. “Routine livestock mortality event” does not include any of the following:

(A) The death of the livestock due to being euthanized using barbiturates.

(B) The death of the livestock from a disease listed on the department’s List of Reportable Conditions for Animals and Animal Products published pursuant to Section 9101.

(C) The death of the livestock in a location that is under a quarantine imposed pursuant to Section 9562.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 613, Sec. 2. (AB 411) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 8. General Provisions


text: Every person who transports a live horse or horses to a slaughterhouse subject to licensing under this chapter shall provide such horse or horses with adequate food and water. A violation of this section shall constitute cruelty to an animal within the meaning of Section 597a of the Penal Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1972, Ch. 161.)

article: 8. General Provisions


text: All trucks and every licensed premises of a dead animal hauler shall be inspected by the bureau at least once a year before the license is renewed and at other times as the secretary deems necessary.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 187, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2005.)

article: 8. General Provisions


text: Vehicles used for dead animal hauling shall be completely unloaded, cleaned, and disinfected at the rendering plant.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 187, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2005.)

article: 8. General Provisions


text: Inspectors and duly authorized agents of the state, city, county, and city and county health departments shall have free access at all hours of operation to premises where animals are slaughtered, or horsemeat or other meat products are processed, prepared, packed for pet food, or offered for sale or sold, for purposes of inspection. If slaughtering or carcass preparation or processing of meats and meat products is conducted at hours considered overtime for state employees, or on legal holidays, the owner or operator of the establishment shall by contract or agreement with the department, make arrangement to defray the additional cost for salaries and expenses for persons employed by the department to conduct the necessary inspection work during the overtime periods.

article: 8. General Provisions


text: Horses, mules, burros, cattle, sheep, goats and swine may be slaughtered on the premises of a pet food slaughterer.

article: 8. General Provisions


text: A dead animal hauler shall register each vehicle used to transport dead animals with the bureau.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 187, Sec. 9. Effective January 1, 2005.)

article: 8. General Provisions


text: No licensee shall refuse to permit entry or inspection by a representative of the department, or to permit the taking of a sample of products.

article: 8. General Provisions


text: No meat or meat byproduct or horsemeat or horsemeat byproduct shall be sold or offered for sale as pet food or for pet food purposes by any person under any name or other marking or labeling which is false or misleading, or in any container of a misleading form or size, but established trade names and other marking and labeling and containers which are not false or misleading and which are approved by the director, are permitted.

article: 8. General Provisions


text: All labels or other identification marks or methods for articles subject to this chapter shall be approved by the director in advance of their use.

article: 8. General Provisions


text: No person shall sell, transport, or offer for sale or transportation any meat or meat byproduct, horsemeat, or horsemeat byproduct subject to this article that is misbranded as prescribed by regulation of the director.

article: 8. General Provisions


text:
Only horsemeat inspected by state or federal agents shall be sold or offered for sale for human consumption.

When horsemeat is offered for sale for human consumption there shall be displayed prominently in connection therewith and immediately adjacent thereto a sign with letters not less than eight inches in height and not less than three inches in width, bearing the words “horsemeat for human consumption.”

article: 9. Horsemeat

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 5. Horsemeat and Pet Food > 9. Horsemeat


text: Every restaurant, cafe, or other public eating place offering or serving horsemeat for human consumption shall have stamped on all menus, in green ink letters not less than one-half inch in height and one-quarter inch in width the words “horsemeat served here”; likewise a placard must be prominently displayed bearing the words “horsemeat served here” in letters not less than four inches in height and one-half inch in width.

article: 9. Horsemeat


text: Horsemeat or fresh or frozen pet food shall not be packed, stored or kept in any retail establishment with or in close proximity with any food product which is or shall be offered for human consumption irrespective of its type or nature.

article: 9. Horsemeat


text: Horsemeat or fresh or frozen pet food shall be kept and stored in a separate unit in a retail establishment provided for that purpose. A sign which reads “horsemeat” with letters two inches high and approximately one inch wide shall be conspicuously displayed so that it can readily be seen by those in the room where such horsemeat is sold.

article: 9. Horsemeat


text: All inspected horsemeat shall bear a tag or label with the words “inspected horsemeat,” “U.S. government-inspected horsemeat,” “state-inspected horsemeat,” or “municipally inspected horsemeat,” depending upon the type of inspection made of the product with letters printed thereon not less than one-half inch in height; provided, that the letters may be less than one-half inch in height where the horsemeat is processed, packaged, and sealed at the point of inspection and bears the label required by the inspection agency.

article: 9. Horsemeat


text: All horsemeat intended for pet food purposes not produced in the State of California shall be denatured before entering the state and shall meet all requirements of this chapter and the regulations promulgated thereunder. All inspected horsemeat not produced in the State of California shall be delivered to the warehouse, distributor or elsewhere in the original shipping containers.

article: 9. Horsemeat


text: Nothing contained in this chapter shall prevent any city, city and county, or county from regulating or prohibiting by ordinance the sale of horsemeat in their respective communities.

article: 9. Horsemeat


text: The director may adopt rules or regulations necessary to carry out the purpose of this chapter.

article: 10. Regulations

path: 9. ANIMALS GENERALLY > 3. SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS > 5. Horsemeat and Pet Food > 10. Regulations


text: The director shall by regulation promulgate minimum standards for the fitness of pet food so that the health of the animals and citizens of this state will not be endangered by unwholesome or tainted animal food.

article: 10. Regulations


text: The director may establish by regulation, requirements to insure that vehicles used to transport dead animals and carcasses or parts or products of animals which have died other than by slaughter will not create a public health problem and that such animals, carcasses or parts or products are not diverted to human or pet food.

article: 10. Regulations


text: The director shall establish by regulation, requirements for the slaughter of animals and inspection of pet food, to insure that it is wholesome, untainted, not adulterated, properly labeled, and fit for pet food, and for the handling and disposal of condemned meat or meat byproducts to prevent their use as human or pet food.

article: 10. Regulations


text: The director shall establish by regulation the conditions under which carcasses or parts or products of animals for pet food may be processed, transported, and stored so as to prevent diversion into human food channels.

article: 10. Regulations