American Meat Freedom Act

Key Points

• This bill would let small ranchers and meat processors sell their products across state lines, as long as their state's inspection program meets federal standards. Currently, state-inspected meat must stay within that state's borders.
• To qualify, the USDA must have confirmed within the last three years that the state's meat inspection law is at least as strict as federal inspection rules. States must also agree to periodic federal audits.
• Any meat sold interstate under this law would need a special label showing it was inspected and passed under a qualifying state program. The processing facility must have followed all of its state's inspection requirements.
• The USDA would have 90 days after the bill becomes law to write the rules for implementing these changes. The bill's sponsors say this will expand market access, increase competition in meat processing, and strengthen the domestic food supply.