The Market Enforcement Branch (MEB) was established in 1928 with the enactment of the Deciduous Fruit Dealers Act.
In 1932 the Act was repealed and replaced by the present Produce Dealers Act (PDA), being Chapter 7, Division 20 of the Food and Agricultural Code. The PDA covers all farm products grown or produced in California with the exception of milk, timber, cattle, and vegetable seed sold between dealers.
In 1935, the Processors Law (PL) was added as Chapter 6, Division 20 to the California Food and Agriculture Code. It regulates all persons who purchase California farm products from growers for the purpose of processing.
Since their inception Chapters 6 and 7 have undergone significant amendments. These adjustments have been geared to keep the Code relevant and in tune with California's ever-changing agricultural industry.
Effective January 1, 1998, Senate Bill 1198 made major changes to the licensing, investigative and settlement activities of the Branch, they also impacted Branch license fees and revenues.