Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 616 § 616.286 — Inspection and investigation powers of department
Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 616 ·
Oregon Code § 616.286·Enacted ·Last updated March 01, 2026
Statute Text
Inspection and investigation powers of department.
(1) For purposes of enforcement of
ORS 616.205 to 616.385, the State Department of Agriculture or any of its
authorized representatives are authorized upon presentation of appropriate
credentials to the owner, operator or agent in charge:
(a) To enter at
reasonable times any food establishment or warehouse in which food is being
held for introduction into commerce or vehicle being used to transport, hold or
introduce such food in commerce.
(b) To inspect at
reasonable times and within reasonable limits such food establishment,
warehouse or vehicle and all pertinent equipment, finished and unfinished
materials, containers and labeling therein, and to obtain samples necessary to
the enforcement of ORS 616.205 to 616.385.
(c) To have
access to and to copy all records of carriers in commerce showing the movement
in commerce of any food or the holding thereof during or after such movement,
and the quantity, shipper and consignee thereof. Evidence obtained under the
authority of this paragraph may not be used in a criminal prosecution of the
person from whom obtained and carriers are not subject to other provisions of
ORS 616.205 to 616.385 by reason of their receipt, carriage, holding or
delivery of food in the usual course of business as carriers.
(d) To enter at
reasonable times any retail food establishment holding a valid liquor license
to insure that the retail establishment properly posts the sign required by ORS
471.551.
(2) Upon
completion of any inspection of a food establishment, warehouse or vehicle, and
prior to leaving the premises, the authorized representative of the department
making the inspection shall furnish to the owner, operator or agent in charge a
written report setting forth any conditions or practices observed by such
representatives which in the judgment of the representative indicate that any
food in such establishment, warehouse or vehicle:
(a) Consists in
whole or in part of any filthy, putrid or decomposed substance; or
(b) Has been
prepared, packed or held, in whole or in part, under insanitary conditions
whereby it may have become contaminated with filth or whereby it may have been
rendered injurious to health.
(3) If the
authorized representative of the department making any inspection of a food
establishment, warehouse or vehicle has obtained samples in the course of such
inspection, upon completion of the inspection and prior to leaving the
premises, the representative shall furnish to the owner, operator or agent in
charge a receipt describing the samples obtained, and shall tender or offer
payment therefor.
(4) If samples
are obtained as provided in subsection (3) of this section, and analyses are
made of such samples 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 such analyses shall be
furnished by the department to the owner, operator or agent in charge. [1973
c.227 §12 (enacted in lieu of 616.285); 1991 c.324 §7; 2001 c.320 §6]
Plain English Explanation
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Key Points
01Part of Oregon statutory law
02Referenced as Oregon Code § 616.286
03Subject to legislative amendments
04Consult a licensed attorney for application to specific cases
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