A. If the Commissioner institutes criminal proceedings against any person for any violation pursuant to this article, then: (i) he shall give appropriate notice to the person and give an opportunity for the person to present his views before the Commissioner, either orally or in writing, in person or by attorney, with regard to such contemplated proceeding, and (ii) he may report the violation to an attorney for the Commonwealth.
B. It shall be the duty of each attorney for the Commonwealth, to whom the Commissioner reports any violation of this article, to cause appropriate proceedings to be instituted in the appropriate courts without delay and to be prosecuted in the manner required by law.
C. Nothing in this article shall require the Commissioner to report minor violations of this article to the attorney for the Commonwealth, whenever he believes that the public interest will be adequately served in the circumstances by a suitable written notice or warning.
Code 1950, §§ 3-312, 3-313; 1966, c. 702, §§ 3.1-392, 3.1-393; 2008, c. 860.
Structure Code of Virginia
Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food
§ 3.2-5100. Duties of Commissioner
§ 3.2-5101. Board authorized to adopt regulations; exception
§ 3.2-5103. Standards of variability permissible to any article of food
§ 3.2-5104. Chemical work incident to execution of laws
§ 3.2-5105. Definition of term "food."
§ 3.2-5106. Sanitary conditions of food establishments
§ 3.2-5107. Plastering and painting sidewalls and ceilings; interior woodwork; floors
§ 3.2-5108. Sleeping arrangements
§ 3.2-5109. Washrooms and toilets
§ 3.2-5110. Daily cleaning of instruments and machinery
§ 3.2-5111. Food protected from flies, dust, and dirt
§ 3.2-5112. Clothing of employees
§ 3.2-5113. Employees with contagious or infectious disease
§ 3.2-5116. Metal beverage containers with detachable metal pull tabs
§ 3.2-5117. Penalty for violation; misdemeanor
§ 3.2-5118. Sterilization of bottles and containers
§ 3.2-5119. Transportation or storage under unsanitary conditions; penalty
§ 3.2-5124. Labeling as kosher and halal; penalty
§ 3.2-5125. Poisonous or deleterious substance added to food
§ 3.2-5126. Prohibited acts; exceptions; Commissioner may seek injunction; penalties
§ 3.2-5127. Removal of certain labels from meat packaging prohibited; penalty
§ 3.2-5129. Definition of term "food."
§ 3.2-5130. Inspections required to operate food establishment
§ 3.2-5131. Right to enter and take samples
§ 3.2-5132. Notice and warning to place premises in sanitary condition
§ 3.2-5133. Failure to obey such notice and warning a misdemeanor
§ 3.2-5134. Condemnation of unsafe food by Commissioner
§ 3.2-5135. Authority to seize food and dairy products; analysis; disposition of remainder
§ 3.2-5136. Purchase of samples for analysis
§ 3.2-5137. Proceeding for forfeiture
§ 3.2-5138. Judgment as to goods seized; procedure before an appropriate court; appeal
§ 3.2-5139. Disposition of proceeds from sale of such goods
§ 3.2-5140. Attorney for the Commonwealth to render legal assistance
§ 3.2-5141. General duty of attorneys for the Commonwealth; compensation
§ 3.2-5142. Punishment for hindering Commissioner
§ 3.2-5143. Enforcement against companies
§ 3.2-5144. Exemption from civil and criminal liability in certain cases
§ 3.2-5145. Punishment for failure to comply with requirements of certain chapters
§ 3.2-5145.2. Industrial hemp extract; approved food
§ 3.2-5145.2:1. Sellers of industrial hemp extract
§ 3.2-5145.3. Manufacturer of industrial hemp extract or food containing an industrial hemp extract