The recently introduced Red Meat Inspection Exemption Act would allow small ranchers to slaughter and process their own livestock for direct-to-consumer sale.
The bill, introduced by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY-04) and Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), would create a federal meat-inspection exemption for small livestock producers.
“The Red Meat Inspection Exemption Act will reduce the regulatory burden placed on small meat producers and enhance their ability to sell directly to local consumers,” Massie said.
Ranchers would be able to slaughter no more than 25 cattle, 60 swine, 250 sheep or 250 goats annually. Meat products would remain subject to federal adulteration and misbranding standards and would be required to comply with any USDA food safety or special handling requirements.
The bill also preserves state laws that provide broader exemptions for on-farm slaughter, processing or sale of meat.
