Food and Agricultural Code section 44986

It is unlawful for any person to do any of the following:

(a)

Use a certification stamp for certifying containers or lots of avocados for other than containers previously inspected by the director’s authorized agent and designated to be stamped.

(b)

Use the stamp at any time or in any manner other than provided in this chapter or contrary to the directions of the director’s authorized agent authorizing the use of the stamp.

(c)

Refuse to surrender, each day after use, or upon demand of the director’s authorized agent, any certification stamp authorized to be used.

(d)

Counterfeit or alter or use any counterfeit or altered certification stamp.

(e)

A violation of this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months, or by both the fine and imprisonment.

Source: Section 44986, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=FAC§ionNum=44986.­ (updated Sep. 30, 1989; accessed Jun. 18, 2026).

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Verified:
Jun. 18, 2026

§ 44986's source at ca​.gov