2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 39 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 25 - Adulterated Or Misbranded Food And Cosmetics › Section 39-25-190. Authority to enter and inspect premises and copy records; reports; analysis of samples.

(A) For purposes of enforcement of this chapter, the commissioner or any of his authorized agents upon presenting appropriate credentials to the owner, operator, or agent in charge, may:
(1) enter at reasonable times any factory, warehouse, or establishment in which food or cosmetics are manufactured, processed, packaged, or held for introduction into commerce or after introduction or enter any vehicle being used to transport or hold this food or cosmetics in commerce;
(2) inspect at reasonable times and within reasonable limits and in a reasonable manner the factory, warehouse, establishment, or vehicle and all pertinent equipment, finished and unfinished materials, containers, and labeling and to obtain samples necessary for the enforcement of this chapter; and
(3) have access to and to copy all records of carriers in commerce showing the movement in commerce of any food or cosmetic, or the holding of it during or after movement, and the quantity, shipper, and consignee of it. Evidence obtained pursuant to this subsection may not be used in a criminal prosecution of the person from whom obtained. Carriers are not subject to the other provisions of this chapter by reason of their receipt, carriage, holding, or delivery of food or cosmetics in the usual course of business as carriers.
(B) Upon completion of an inspection of a factory, warehouse, or other establishment, and prior to leaving the premises, the authorized agent making the inspection shall give to the owner, operator, or agent in charge a report in writing setting forth any conditions or practices observed by him which in his judgment indicate that any food or cosmetic in the establishment consists in whole or in part of any filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance or has been prepared, packaged, or held under unsanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with filth or whereby it may have been rendered injurious to health. A copy of the report must be sent promptly to the commissioner.
(C) If the authorized agent making an inspection of a factory, warehouse, or other establishment has obtained a sample in the course of the inspection, upon completion of the inspection and prior to leaving the premises, he shall give to the owner, operator, or agent in charge a receipt describing the samples obtained.
(D) When in the course of an inspection of a factory or other establishment in which food is manufactured, processed, or packaged, the officer or employee making the inspection obtains a sample of the food and analysis is made of such sample for the purpose of ascertaining whether such food consists in whole or in part of any filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance or is otherwise unfit for food, a copy of the results of the analysis must be furnished promptly to the owner, operator, or agent in charge.
(E) The analytical work necessary for the proper enforcement of this chapter and regulations adopted by the department in regard to food must be undertaken by the department or under the direction of the department.
(F) The department may perform laboratory services relating to, or having potential impact on, food safety or the compliance of food with the requirements of this chapter for any person or public agency.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 32-1526.18; 1972 (57) 2687; 2010 Act No. 261, Section 5, eff June 11, 2010.
Effect of Amendment
The 2010 amendment rewrote this section.