It is unlawful for any person to use to his or her own advantage, or to reveal to any person other than to the director, officers, employees, or authorized agents of this department, or to the courts when relevant in any judicial proceeding under this part, any information acquired under authority of this part concerning any method or process which as a trade secret is entitled to protection. However, the department may reveal trade secret information in connection with the responsibilities of the department under this part, to any employee of the federal Food and Drug Administration who is authorized in writing by the Chief of the Food and Drug Branch of the department or his or her designee to receive this type of information. The employee receiving this type of information shall be informed in writing of the prohibitions under this section, shall be informed in writing that the information provided contains trade secrets, as defined under state and federal law, and shall agree in writing to keep the information confidential.
(Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 516, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1998.)