CHOWCHILLA – On August 20, 2025, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Food and Drug Branch, Madera County Sheriff’s Department, and the California Department of Tax and Fees Administration (CDTFA) conducted a joint enforcement operation at several retail locations in response to multiple community complaints regarding the sale of contraband products to the public. During the operation, police and investigators seized flavored tobacco and adulterated food items.

More than 200 pounds of adulterated food items were embargoed during the operation.

California Association of Food and Drug Investigators (CAFDI) President and CDPH Investigator Lambert stated the following regarding the operation, “Collaboration between state and local law enforcement agencies is an effective strategy to removing these violative products off the streets and out of the hands of children.”