S. 2409: Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption Act

This bill, known as the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption Act, proposes amendments to the Federal Meat Inspection Act to allow for certain exemptions related to meat slaughtering and processing at custom facilities. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill entails:

Definition of Custom Slaughter Facilities

The bill introduces a specific definition for "custom slaughter facilities", which are facilities where animals are slaughtered and processed for individuals or businesses who desire them, rather than for commercial resale.

Exemption from Federal Inspection

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Inspection Exemption: The slaughter and preparation of animals at custom slaughter facilities will not require federal inspection if:
• The activities are conducted in compliance with state laws.
• The meat products are intended solely for distribution to:
• Household consumers within the same state as the custom slaughter facility.
• Restaurants, hotels, boarding houses, grocery stores, or other establishments within the same state that serve meals directly to consumers or sell meat products directly to consumers.

No Preemption of State Law

The bill makes it clear that even with these federal exemptions, it does not override or preempt any state laws that regulate:

• The slaughter of animals or preparation of meat at custom facilities.
• The sale of meat or meat products.

Impact on State Regulations

This allows states to maintain their own regulatory frameworks without interference, ensuring they can continue to enforce their specific requirements related to meat processing and sales.

Overall Purpose

The primary intent of the bill is to foster local meat processing and distribution, potentially benefiting small farmers and local businesses by reducing the regulatory burden associated with federal inspection processes.

Relevant Companies

None found