§673 Seizure and condemnation

Summary

Allows the government to seize and condemn meat, parts of carcasses, or animals (including cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, horses, mules, and other equines) that are being moved in commerce or held for sale in the United States if they were handled in violation of the law, are adulterated or misbranded, or are otherwise illegal. The seizure is done by filing a libel of information in a United States district court or another proper court under section 674. If the court condemns the article or animal, the judge may order it distributed, destroyed, or sold. If sold, the money goes to the U.S. Treasury after paying court costs, fees, storage, and other proper expenses. The court may release the item to its owner under a bond that promises it will not be sold in violation of the law and may require supervision. A claimant who caused the release under bond or whose item is destroyed must pay the court costs and expenses. The court process follows admiralty rules as far as possible, but either side can demand a jury trial, and the suit is brought in the name of the United States. Condemned food may be given free to nonprofit groups or federal, state, or local food programs if it was inspected and found wholesome under paragraphs (1) through (7) and (9) of section 601(m) and is plainly marked “Not for Sale.” If those conditions are met, neither the United States nor the person from whom the article was seized can be held legally responsible for the distributed article. These rules do not limit any other seizure or condemnation powers in this chapter or other laws.