North Carolina § 14-401 - Putting poisonous foodstuffs, antifreeze, etc., in certain public places, prohibited.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 14-401 — Putting poisonous foodstuffs, antifreeze, etc., in certain public places, prohibited., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 14-401. Putting poisonous foodstuffs, antifreeze, etc., in certain public places, prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to put or place (i) any strychnine, other poisonous compounds or ground glass on any beef or other foodstuffs of any kind, or (ii) any antifreeze that contains ethylene glycol and is not in a closed container, in any public square, street, lane, alley or on any lot in any village, town or city or on any public road, open field, woods or yard in the country. Any person, firm or corporation who violates the provisions of this section shall be liable in damages to the person injured thereby and also shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. This section shall not apply to the poisoning of insects or worms for the purpose of protecting crops or gardens by spraying plants, crops, or trees, to poisons used in rat extermination, or to the accidental release of antifreeze containing ethylene glycol. History (1941, c. 181; 1953, c. 1239; 1993, c. 143, s. 1; c. 539, s. 270; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).) Legal Periodicals. - For comment on this section, see 19 N.C.L. Rev. 479 (1941). For survey of 1980 criminal law, see 59 N.C.L. Rev. 1123 (1981).
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 14-401
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 14-401 cover?
Section 14-401 ("Putting poisonous foodstuffs, antifreeze, etc., in certain public places, prohibited.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. 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 North Carolina § 14-401?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 14-401" (North Carolina). 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 North Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.
How does North Carolina § 14-401 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina 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 North Carolina.