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California legal term

Consumer food item in California Criminal Law

Current through 2026 California legislative session

In California criminal law, “Consumer food item” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the California criminal code.

What does “Consumer food item” mean in California criminal law?

“Consumer food item” means any article that is used or intended for use for food, drink, confection, or condiment by a person or animal. (Cal. Penal Code § 396)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.