{"data":{"id":"us-md/md.-code-health-general-21-254","jurisdiction":"us-md","citation":"Md. Code, Health - General § 21–254","heading":"","body":"(a) (1) For purposes of this section, an “immediate threat” exists if any meat, seafood, poultry, vegetable, fruit, or any other perishable substance that is intended for consumption as food:\n(i) Contains any filthy, decomposed, or putrid substance;\n(ii) Is poisonous or otherwise would be injurious to health if consumed; or\n(iii) Is otherwise unsafe.\n(2) If a food poses an immediate threat, it shall be considered a public nuisance.\n(b) If the Secretary finds that a food poses an immediate threat, the Secretary immediately shall destroy the food or otherwise make the food unusable for consumption by human beings.\n(c) The owner of a substance that is destroyed or otherwise made unusable under this section may bring a suit for damages against the Secretary.\n(d) The Secretary shall have the immunity from liability described under § 5–633 of the Courts Article.","path":["Article - Health - General"],"source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=ghg\u0026section=21-254","current_through":"2026-01-01","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T19:58:48Z","sha256":"45a400ec38636f1e0cb4e8a0567081dfa2f9cdb9c836dcea9e896914346b3db6","source_id":"us-md","stale":false,"prev":"us-md/md.-code-health-general-21-253","next":"us-md/md.-code-health-general-21-255"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}