All information reported to or obtained by the department or its representatives in connection with any inspection or investigation under this article which contains or which might reveal a trade secret is considered confidential for the purpose of this article, except that the information may be disclosed to other representatives of the office or department concerned with carrying out this article or if it is relevant in any proceeding under this article. In any such proceeding, the department, assistant director, director, hearing officer or courts shall issue orders as may be appropriate to protect the confidentiality of trade secrets.