§ 21-254. Action against food that poses immediate threat

MD Health-Gen Code § 21-254 (2019) (N/A)
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(a)    (1)    For purposes of this section, an “immediate threat” exists if any meat, seafood, poultry, vegetable, fruit, or any other perishable substance that is intended for consumption as food:

(i)    Contains any filthy, decomposed, or putrid substance;

(ii)    Is poisonous or otherwise would be injurious to health if consumed; or

(iii)    Is otherwise unsafe.

(2)    If a food poses an immediate threat, it shall be considered a public nuisance.

(b)    If the Secretary finds that a food poses an immediate threat, the Secretary immediately shall destroy the food or otherwise make the food unusable for consumption by human beings.

(c)    The owner of a substance that is destroyed or otherwise made unusable under this section may bring a suit for damages against the Secretary.

(d)    The Secretary shall have the immunity from liability described under § 5-633 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article.