Massachusetts § 78 - Nonconforming products; violations; withholding from sale; release; condemnation; seizure; disposal

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 78 — Nonconforming products; violations; withholding from sale; release; condemnation; seizure; disposal, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 78. Nonconforming products; violations; withholding from sale; release; condemnation; seizure; disposal

Section 78. When the commissioner or his deputy has reasonable cause to believe any lot of commercial fertilizer, soil conditioner, or agricultural liming material, is being distributed in violation of any of the provisions of sections sixty-five to seventy-eight, inclusive, or of any of the prescribed regulations promulgated thereunder, he, or his deputy may order, in writing, that it be withheld from sale. The commissioner or his deputy may release the lot of said product, so withdrawn when said provisions and regulations have been complied with. If compliance is not obtained within thirty days, the commissioner or his deputy may begin, or upon request of the distributor shall begin, proceedings for condemnation.

Any lot of commercial fertilizer, soil conditioner, or agricultural liming material not in compliance with said provisions and regulations shall be subject to seizure on complaint of the commissioner or his deputy to a court of competent jurisdiction in the area in which said commercial fertilizer is located. In the event the court finds the said product to be in violation of sections sixty-five to seventy-eight, inclusive, and orders the condemnation of said product, it shall be disposed of in any manner consistent with the quality of the product and the laws of the commonwealth.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 78

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 78 cover?

Section 78 ("Nonconforming products; violations; withholding from sale; release; condemnation; seizure; disposal") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts § 78?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 78" (Massachusetts). 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 Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 78 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.