Condemnation and sale; release of seized article.

(1) When any article detained or seized under s. 500.174 has been found by the department to be subject to seizure and condemnation under s. 500.174, the department may petition a court for an order of condemnation or sale, as the court may direct. The proceeds of the sale of food used for human consumption, less the legal costs and charges, shall be deposited in the State Treasury into the General Inspection Trust Fund.

(2) Upon the payment of the costs of the condemnation proceeding and upon the execution and delivery of a surety bond to the effect that the goods shall not be sold or otherwise disposed of contrary to the provisions of this chapter, the department or court may order that the goods be delivered to the owner thereof instead of being condemned or sold.

(3) If the department finds that any article seized under the provisions of s. 500.174 was not subject to seizure under that section, the department or the designated officer or employee shall remove the tag or marking.