Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) has sponsored a bill that would allow meat and poultry products processed under state inspection to be transported for sale across state lines. The proviso is that the state inspection programs, of which there are 29, meet or exceed federal standards imposed by the USDA-FSIS. Currently, only products with a federal inspection stamp are allowed to be transported interstate for sale.
Cosponsor of the bill, Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) considers that passage of the bill would expand opportunities for small-scale processors and would indirectly benefit ranchers.
Predictably, the legislation is supported by the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stock Growers of America (R-Calf in USA). A spokesperson stated, “This long-needed bill recognizes that states are equally competent and qualified to ensure the safety and wholesomeness of meat produced from locally-raised livestock.” He added, “It helps alleviate the supply chain bottleneck, is good for livestock producers and consumers and will provide out-of-state customers with more choices.”