An action authorized by law to restrict or prevent the movement of goods for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare is called?

The term that describes an action authorized by law to restrict or prevent the movement of goods for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare is "embargo." An embargo serves as a legal measure employed by governments or regulatory bodies to control the importation or exportation of certain products or goods, usually in response to health crises, safety concerns, or national security issues. This is particularly important in preventing potentially harmful items from entering a population, thus safeguarding public health and welfare.

In contrast, the other terms listed have different legal implications. An injunction is a court order that requires a party to do or refrain from doing specific acts, but it is not specifically aimed at the movement of goods. An order to cease and desist is a directive requiring an individual or organization to stop engaging in a specific activity, usually tied to regulatory compliance issues. A subpoena is a legal document that requires an individual to testify or provide evidence in a legal proceeding, rather than dealing with the movement of goods themselves. Thus, the correct identification of an embargo underscores its role in protecting public well-being through legal means.