1. (a) The department shall direct and supervise the inspection and certification of maturity of citrus fruit under this chapter. The department shall adopt rules that define maturity standards for grapefruit and maturity standards for oranges according to the amount of juice and the amount of soluble solids in the fruit and the ratio of soluble solids to anhydrous citric acids in the fruit. The department may adopt rules relating to:

   1. (1) the number and character of certificates of inspection and maturity;
   2. (2) inspection requests; and
   3. (3) seasonal requirements of citrus fruit for fitness for human consumption.
2. (b) The department may direct and supervise the inspection and certification of maturity of citrus fruit under this chapter through the operation of an inspection service organized under Subchapter A, Chapter 91, of this code.

Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1242, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.

Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 323, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1993;

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 290, Sec. 2, eff. June 5, 1995.