Massachusetts § 20 - Sale of below standard milk; penalty
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 20 — Sale of below standard milk; penalty, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20. Sale of below standard milk; penalty
Section 20. Whoever himself or by his servant or agent sells, exchanges or delivers, or has in his custody or possession with intent so to do, milk not conforming to the Massachusetts standard shall be punished for the first offence by a fine of not more than fifty dollars, for the second offence by a fine of not less than one hundred nor more than two hundred dollars, and for a subsequent offence by a fine of not less than one hundred nor more than two hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than three months; provided, that it shall not constitute a violation of this section for a producer of milk operating a dairy farm registered under section sixteen C to sell, or deliver in exchange or otherwise, to a dealer registered under section sixteen F natural cow's milk produced on such dairy farm and not conforming to the state standard, or for such a producer to have in his custody or possession any such milk with intent to sell, or deliver in exchange or otherwise, such milk to such a dealer, or for such a dealer to have in his custody or possession such milk, obtained as aforesaid from such a producer, with intent to blend such milk with other natural cow's milk for the purpose of making the blend conform to said standard.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 20
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 20 cover?
Section 20 ("Sale of below standard milk; penalty") 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 § 20?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 20" (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 § 20 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.