The fruit and vegetable quality control program is responsible for assuring that fruits, nuts, and vegetables sold to consumers at both the wholesale and retail level meet the minimum marking, container and quality standards set by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Packing houses in Yolo County produce, pack and ship a variety of produce such as almonds, apricots, pears, plums, honeydew melons, walnuts and watermelons throughout the United States as well as to many foreign countries. These commodities are inspected at wholesale distribution points in the County. Inspectors certify producers to sell their products directly to consumers at Certified Farmers Markets. Certification includes inspection of the growing site to assure that products sold at the markets are produced by the sellers.
Inspectors also investigate complaints concerning certified markets and certified producers.
Producers, handlers and processors wishing to market their commodities as organic are required to register with the Agricultural Commissioner's office annually in accordance with the California Organic Foods Act of 1990. Inspectors conduct record inspections of organic registrants as well as investigations of complaints concerning non-compliance relating to this Act. The egg quality control program provides for the enforcement of regulations pertaining to quality, weight and marking requirements for shell eggs. Eggs are inspected throughout the County at various retail and wholesale establishments, or when there is reasonable cause to believe there is a violation of any law or regulation, and upon receiving a consumer complaint. Eggs are inspected with a candling device and egg scale, which enable the inspector to determine the condition of the eggshell and the quality of its contents.