Md. Code, Health - General § 21-259.1

This is the official text of Md. Code, Health - General § 21-259.1, part of Maryland’s Code, Health - General — covers public health regulation.

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§21–259.

Official statutory text

§21–259.1.

(a) A person may not open a sealed, closed, or fastened food container in a food store or supermarket if opening the package or container will leave the item in an unsalable condition, unless the person:

(1) Intends to purchase the item; or

(2) Has received from the proprietor authority to open the item.

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $25.

(c) The penalty provisions of Subtitle 12 of this title do not apply to this section.

Status: in_force · Read it on the official government site

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