# Agriculture (GAG)

## Title 10. Promotion and Identification of Agricultural Products

### Subtitle 8. Maryland Apple Grade Law

#### Section 10-801

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Closed package" means any bag, box, barrel, basket, carton, cellpack, hamper, or traypack, or any other container covered with burlap, tarlatan, slat, or any other cover or closure, constructed so that the contents of the package cannot be seen nor inspected when the package is closed.

#### Section 10-802

(a) In order to carry out this subtitle, the Secretary may enter during the usual hours of business, any packing shed, warehouse, cold storage, store, building, market, or any other place, carrier, conveyance, or vehicle at, in, or from which any apples are packed or sold, offered or exposed for sale to determine whether the provisions of this subtitle or the rules and regulations adopted under it are being violated.

(b) If the Secretary finds that the apples are possessed in violation of any provision of this subtitle, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to it, he may issue a written "stop-sale" order to the person violating it.

(c) Any person upon whom a "stop-sale" order is served may appeal to the Secretary in accordance with the rules and regulations the Secretary adopts.

#### Section 10-803

The Maryland standards of grades for apples shall be the current United States standards for apples, as provided by federal statute and rules and regulations of the United States Department of Agriculture, unless otherwise provided by the departmental rules and regulations.

#### Section 10-804

(a) No person may pack, sell, offer to sell, possess, or transport any apples in closed packages not properly designated with respect to the following:

  (1) A grade standard, as provided in this subtitle;

  (2) The variety;

  (3) The minimum size;

  (4) A count or quantity declaration; and

  (5) The name and address of the packer or distributor.

(b) The designation shall be shown plainly and conspicuously on each package. However, in any transparent consumer pack, a stuffer may be used for markings and placed inside the package in a manner that is plainly readable.

(c) When apples are packed in a used package, any marking pertaining to the previous contents of the package not applicable to the new contents shall be obliterated and the required declarations under this subtitle shall be made.

#### Section 10-805

(a) No person may pack, possess, expose, store, transport, or represent for sale, or sell apples in closed packages, except as provided in this subtitle.

(b) After receiving a "stop-sale" order, a person may not sell, transport, offer, or expose for sale any apples with respect to which the order is issued.

(c) No person may report falsely, or with intent to deceive, any requirement of this subtitle.

#### Section 10-806

The Secretary may enforce by injunction any provision of this subtitle, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to it.

#### Section 10-807

This subtitle may be cited as the Maryland Apple Grade Law.

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Md. Code Ann., Agric. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)