Section 2-8-29. Maintenance and inspection of books and records and provision of information; confidentiality of information; hearings, testimony, and subpoenas

   (a) The Commissioner may require any and all processors or distributors subject to the provisions of any marketing order issued pursuant to this article:

   (1) To maintain books and records reflecting their operations under the marketing order;

   (2) To furnish to the Commissioner or his duly authorized or designated representatives such information as may from time to time be requested by them relating to operations under the marketing order; and

   (3) To permit inspection by the Commissioner or his duly authorized or designated representatives of such portions of such books and records as relate to operations under the marketing order.

(b) Information obtained by any person under this Code section shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed by him to any other person, except to a person with like right to obtain the information or to any attorney employed to give legal advice thereupon or by court order.

(c) In order to carry out the purposes of this Code section, the Commissioner may hold hearings, take testimony, administer oaths, subpoena witnesses, and issue subpoenas for the production of books, records, or documents of any kind.

Ga. L. 1961, p. 301, § 22; Ga. L. 1969, p. 763, § 23; Code 1981, § 2-8-21; Code 1981, § 2-8-29, as redesignated by Ga. L. 1989, p. 1420, § 1.