The Commissioner shall enforce the provisions of this article and is empowered to:
1. Enter and inspect every place where agricultural products are produced, packed, stored for sale, shipped, delivered for shipment, in transit or offered for sale; and to inspect such places and any or all agricultural products, containing markings of any kind that indicate grade, classification, quality, condition, size, variety and quantity, and containers or equipment found at or in such places. It is unlawful for anyone to prevent, hinder or interfere with the Commissioner or his agent in the exercise of any power under this subdivision;
2. To approve, superintend, control and discharge such inspectors, subordinate inspectors and agents as in his discretion may be deemed necessary for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this article; and to prescribe their duties and fix their compensation;
3. Prohibit the movement of any agricultural product found to be marked in violation of any of the provisions of this article, prior to the product being accepted by a common carrier for shipment in interstate transit. Such product shall be repacked or remarked. A lot of any agricultural product shall not be considered accepted by a common carrier until the common carrier is loaded, sealed, and the bill of lading issued; and
4. Cause to be instituted through the attorney for the Commonwealth prosecutions for violations of this article.
Code 1950, § 3-262; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-341; 2008, c. 860; 2020, c. 317.