Vermont § 178 - Unlawful acts; penalties

Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 178 — Unlawful acts; penalties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 178. Unlawful acts; penalties

  • (a) After notice of the establishment of grades or standards and the determination of
    brands, labels, or trademarks, it shall be unlawful to use a brand, label, or trademark
    to identify farm products as being of an established grade before a permit is granted
    or after the revocation of the right to use such brand, label, or trademark by the
    Secretary. For the purpose of further protecting the grades as officially established
    and adopted by the Secretary, or any grades established under an act of Congress by
    the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the same products, it shall be unlawful to use
    the officially designated grade words, titles, or names for the purpose of identifying,
    advertising, designating, or describing any lots of such products unless such products
    fully meet the requirements of the official grade indicated. (b) When, in the opinion of the Secretary or his or her representative, it is believed
    that any lot or lots of such products so identified, advertised, designated, or described
    may not be of the grade indicated, he or she shall cause inspections of such products
    to be made for the purpose of determining the actual grade thereof. Such inspections
    shall be made by regularly appointed inspectors and in such manner as is provided
    in this chapter. (c) A person violating a provision of this section shall be fined not more than $50.00
    for a first offense and, for each subsequent offense, not more than $200.00. A person
    who obstructs or hinders the Secretary or any of his or her assistants in the performance
    of his or her duties under this chapter shall be fined not less than $10.00 nor more
    than $100.00. (Amended 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003; 2021, No. 105 (Adj. Sess.), § 50, eff. July 1, 2022.)

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 178

What does Vermont Statutes Online § 178 cover?

Section 178 ("Unlawful acts; penalties") is part of the Vermont Statutes Online, the codified statutory law of Vermont. 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 Vermont § 178?

A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 178" (Vermont). 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 Vermont law?

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

How does Vermont § 178 apply to my situation?

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