Qualifying livestock producers would get a federal meat inspection exemption

The Agriculture Secretary would exempt qualifying meat from federal inspection when producers or their chosen agents distribute it directly to consumers. The producer must slaughter and process the meat under the federal farm provision cited in the bill. Distribution may occur at farms, farm stands, farmers markets, or similar venues. Prior-year slaughter may not exceed 25 cattle, 60 pigs, 250 sheep, or 250 goats. The exemption is also barred when prior-year slaughtering or processing exceeds 200 cattle, 500 pigs, 2,000 sheep, or 2,000 goats. Producers must not move meat from animals raised on their farms through commerce. The Secretary would set conditions needed for food safety and public health, possibly including special handling procedures. Labels must identify the exemption and give the producer’s name and address. Products must meet federal rules against unsafe or wrongly labeled meat. The animal-count tests use the calendar year before the year for which the producer seeks the exemption.

The federal amendment would not override more permissive state exemptions. This covers state rules for farm slaughter or meat preparation and for meat sales.