Pacific States Box & Basket Co. v. White

Background

The dispute began when Oregon’s agriculture agency adopted an order declaring a particular wooden box called a "hallock" the mandatory container for raspberries and strawberries. A California manufacturer of a different cup‑shaped, metal‑rim container sued to block enforcement, saying the rule would effectively prevent it from selling its product in Oregon and violated its constitutional rights. The federal district court dismissed the suit and denied an injunction; the case reached this Court on appeal.

Reasoning

The Court asked whether the State could lawfully require a specific container shape and size to protect buyers and preserve perishable fruit. It held that states may set container standards as part of ordinary consumer‑protection and inspection rules, and that fixing both capacity and form can be a reasonable way to ensure quantity and preserve fragile berries. The Court found the administrative order was not arbitrary, did not create an unlawful monopoly (other makers exist and the material was not limited), and did not unlawfully burden interstate commerce because it regulated the intrastate use of containers, not their interstate shipment.

Real world impact

As a result, Oregon may enforce its mandatory hallock standard for packing strawberries and raspberries. Sellers and packers in Oregon must use the approved containers, which may exclude alternative designs unless makers adapt. The decision treats administrative container rules adopted after hearing as presumptively valid, making it harder for manufacturers to challenge similar state packaging mandates.