Rep. Burchett Introduces American Meat Freedom Act to Let State-Inspected Meat Cross State Lines
Small-scale meat processors and butcher shops that operate under state inspection rather than the more expensive federal inspection system would be able to ship products to customers in other states. This could significantly expand their customer base and make small processing operations more financially viable, helping address the shortage of local meat processing capacity in many rural areas.
“Ranchers and small-scale meat producers operating under compliant State inspection programs are currently limited in their ability to access interstate markets.”
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
A bipartisan bill would allow meat and poultry products inspected by state programs to be sold across state lines. Currently, 27 states have inspection programs that meet or exceed federal standards, but products are restricted to in-state sales due to outdated federal regulations.
The DIRECT Act would amend federal meat and poultry inspection statutes to allow processors and retailers to sell state-inspected meat online to consumers across state lines. The bill aims to preserve food safety standards while opening new markets for small producers.
Senators Jerry Moran and Jon Tester introduced the American Meat Freedom Act to allow the interstate shipment of meat from state-inspected facilities. The bill requires state programs to be 'at least equal to' federal standards and aims to help small ranchers reach more customers.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
American Meat Freedom Act
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