California § 383 - Every person who knowingly sells, or keeps or offers for sale, or otherwise dispo
Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 383 — Every person who knowingly sells, or keeps or offers for sale, or otherwise dispo, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 383. Every person who knowingly sells, or keeps or offers for sale, or otherwise dispo
Every person who knowingly sells, or keeps or offers for sale, or otherwise disposes of any article of food, drink, drug, or medicine, knowing that the same is adulterated or has become tainted, decayed, spoiled, or otherwise unwholesome or unfit to be eaten or drunk, with intent to permit the same to be eaten or drunk, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and must be fined not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or imprisoned in the county jail not exceeding six months, or both, and may, in the discretion of the court, be adjudged to pay, in addition, all the necessary expenses, not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), incurred in inspecting and analyzing such articles. The term âdrug,â as used herein, includes all medicines for internal or external use, antiseptics, disinfectants, and cosmetics. The term âfood,â as used herein, includes all articles used for food or drink by man, whether simple, mixed, or compound. Any article is deemed to be adulterated within the meaning of this section: (a) In case of drugs: (1) if, when sold under or by a name recognized in the United States Pharmacopoeia, it differs materially from the standard of strength, quality, or purity laid down therein; (2) if, when sold under or by a name not recognized in the United States Pharmacopoeia, but which is found in some other pharmacopoeia or other standard work on materia medica, it differs materially from the standard of strength, quality, or purity laid down in such work; (3) if its strength, quality, or purity falls below the professed standard under which it is sold. (b) In the case of food: (1) if any substance or substances have been mixed with it, so as to lower or depreciate, or injuriously affect its quality, strength, or purity; (2) if any inferior or cheaper substance or substances have been substituted wholly or in part for it; (3) if any valuable or necessary constituent or ingredient has been wholly or in part abstracted from it; (4) if it is an imitation of, or is sold under the name of, another article; (5) if it consists wholly, or in part, of a diseased, decomposed, putrid, infected, tainted, or rotten animal or vegetable substance or article, whether manufactured or not; or in the case of milk, if it is the produce of a diseased animal; (6) if it is colored, coated, polished, or powdered, whereby damage or inferiority is concealed, or if by any means it is made to appear better or of greater value than it really is; (7) if it contains any added substance or ingredient which is poisonous or injurious to health.
Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About California § 383
What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 383 cover?
Section 383 ("Every person who knowingly sells, or keeps or offers for sale, or otherwise dispo") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite California § 383?
A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 383" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of California law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.
How does California § 383 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.