Information on State meat and poultry
inspection programs which operate under a cooperative agreement
with FSIS to enforce requirements "at least equal to" those imposed
under the Federal
Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry
Products Inspection Act appears here.
State Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) Programs are an integral
part of the nation's food safety system. About 2,100 meat and poultry
establishments, are inspected under State MPI programs. All of these
establishments are small or very small. State MPI programs are characterized
as providing more personalized guidance to establishments in developing
their food safety oriented operations. FSIS provides approximately
$43 million dollars annually to support the 28 State MPI programs
currently operating.
State MPI programs operate under a cooperative agreement with FSIS.
Under the agreement, a State's program must enforce requirements
"at least equal to" those imposed under the Federal Meat Inspection
Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act. Establishments have
the option to apply for Federal or State inspection. However, product
produced under State inspection is limited to intrastate commerce.
FSIS provides up to 50% of the State's operating funds, as well
as training and other assistance. FSIS provides guidance to state
MPI programs under these agreements.
FSIS is reassessing the criteria by which it evaluates state MPI
programs in light of evolving food safety initiatives, including
the need to better coordinate MPI activities with those of other
food safety agencies. The goal is to update the cooperative state
MPI program criteria and procedures and corresponding FSIS activities.
For additional information see the links below.
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