§ 28.2-532 Protection of oysters and clams of Virginia; labeling; penalty
It shall be unlawful for any person to offer for sale, sell or distribute for direct consumption oysters or clams as Virginia oysters or clams unless such oysters and clams have been in the waters of the Commonwealth or the Potomac River for a period of at least six months.
Any oysters or clams imported into Virginia, either shucked or unshucked, when sold or distributed, shall not be designated or labeled in any manner indicating they came from Virginia waters or that they are Virginia oysters or clams.
The name, address and Department of Health certificate number on the package or container of the packer or distributor shall not be considered illegal designation or labeling.
A violation of this section is a Class 3 misdemeanor.
History
This law was first created in 1962. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 406 of that year’s edition of “Acts of Assembly,” the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1962 “Acts” aren’t available online. It has been modified 3 times. Those modifications are cataloged by “The Acts of Assembly,” a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly’s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1964, chapter 393; in 1992, chapter 836; in 1996, chapter 434.
1962, c. 406, § 28.1-140; 1964, c. 393; 1992, c. 836; 1996, c. 434.