Article 12. Complaints By Producers of California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 20. >> Chapter 7. >> Article 12.

For the purpose of enforcing this chapter, the director may receive verified complaints from producers or licensees against any person licensed pursuant to this chapter or Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 55401) or any person who acts or attempts to act as a licensee. Upon receipt of any verified complaint, the director may make any and all necessary investigations relative to the complaint. The director shall, within 30 days, commence to investigate any verified complaint alleging that a licensee may be insolvent or in an unsound financial condition.

The director may administer oaths of verification on the complaints.

He shall have free and unimpeded access at all times to any building, yard, warehouse, or storage or transportation facility in which any farm product is kept, stored, handled, or transported.

He may do all of the following:
  (a) Administer oaths and take testimony under oath.
  (b) Issue subpoenas which require the attendance of witnesses before him, together with all books, memoranda, papers, and other documents, articles, or instruments.
  (c) Compel the disclosure by such witnesses of all facts which are known to them relative to the matters under investigation.

All parties disobeying the orders or subpoenas of the director are guilty of contempt and shall be certified to the superior court of the state for punishment for such contempt.