Massachusetts § 74A - Emergency designation of contaminated shellfish areas; enforcement; notice to local authorities
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 74A — Emergency designation of contaminated shellfish areas; enforcement; notice to local authorities, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 74A. Emergency designation of contaminated shellfish areas; enforcement; notice to local authorities
Section 74A. Both the department of public health and the division of marine fisheries shall have the authority immediately to designate shellfish areas as contaminated and that shellfish obtained therefrom are unfit for food and dangerous to the public health, in the event of an emergency as determined by either the department of public health or the division of marine fisheries. Such designation shall be reported to the division of law enforcement, and, in the case of a determination by the department of public health, to the division of marine fisheries, who shall take the necessary action to prevent the taking of shellfish from such area for human consumption and so notify local authorities in each instance. Such determination shall be in effect until subsequent examination, initiated not more than thirty days after the emergency has been determined, shows the shellfish from such area to be safe for human consumption and the said department or division which designated the emergency declares it to be over. In the event that the department of public health determines that there is an emergency, the commissioner of public health shall have the power to direct the activities of all employees of the division of marine fisheries who are regularly engaged in monitoring the condition of shellfish during that emergency.
This section shall not apply to scallops or conch unless scallops or conch are specifically included in such determination.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 74A
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 74A cover?
Section 74A ("Emergency designation of contaminated shellfish areas; enforcement; notice to local authorities") 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 § 74A?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 74A" (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 § 74A 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.