Tennessee § 53-8-216 - Examination of food — Hold orders.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 53-8-216 — Examination of food — Hold orders., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 53-8-216. Examination of food — Hold orders.
Food may be examined or sampled by the commissioner as deemed necessary for the enforcement of this part. The commissioner may place a hold order on any food that the commissioner believes is in violation of this part or rules and regulations, upon written notice to the operator specifying particular reasons for the hold order. The commissioner shall tag, label, or otherwise identify any food subject to a hold order. No food subject to a hold order shall be used, served, sold, or moved from the establishment. The hold order may state that the food be held while confirmation is obtained that the condition violates this part or rules and regulations. The hold order may also order the operator to destroy food that violates this part or rules and regulations. The commissioner shall permit storage of the food under the conditions specified in the hold order, unless storage is not possible without risk to the health of the public, in which case immediate destruction shall be ordered and accomplished. The hold order shall state that a request for a hearing may be filed within ten (10) days. If a request for a hearing is received, the hearing shall be held within a reasonable time after receipt of the request. On the basis of evidence produced at the hearing, the hold order may be rescinded, or the owner or person in charge may be directed by written order to denature or destroy such food or to bring it into compliance with this part. Acts 2013, ch. 182, § 16. Compiler's Notes. Former title 53, ch. 8, part 2, §§ 53-8-201 — 53-8-222 (Acts 1986, ch. 633, §§ 1, 3-23; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1991, ch. 148, § 1; 1995, ch. 383, § 1; 2001, ch. 311, §§ 1-4; 2003, ch. 29, § 2), concerning the Retail Food Store Inspection Act of 1986, was repealed and reenacted by Acts 2013, ch. 182, §§ 1-21, effective July 1, 2015. Effective Dates. Acts 2013, ch. 182, § 50. July 1, 2015; provided, that, for rulemaking purposes, the act took effect April 23, 2013.
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 53-8-216
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 53-8-216 cover?
Section 53-8-216 ("Examination of food — Hold orders.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. 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 Tennessee § 53-8-216?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 53-8-216" (Tennessee). 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 Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 53-8-216 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee 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 Tennessee.